At the start of the 2026 season, most eyes were fixed on the blockbuster moves at Ferrari and the dominant “flying” pace of the Mercedes duo. Haas was largely expected to be a background character. Instead, Oliver Bearman has turned the American outfit into the season’s biggest disruptor.
The Climb from Bahrain to Suzuka
Bearman didn’t just luck into his current standing; he’s been chipping away at the giants since the lights went out in Sakhir.
- The Season Opener: While the grid struggled with the new 2026 technical regulations, Bearman showed a surprising level of maturity. He stayed out of the mid-field chaos and brought the car home in P6, securing Haas’s best start in years.
- The China Breakthrough: In Shanghai, the “flying” pace became undeniable. Bearman managed a clinical double-overtake on the final laps, securing P5 and proving the Haas chassis could actually compete with Red Bull on technical sectors.
- The Standing: Heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, Bearman sits at 17 points. He is currently holding 5th in the World Drivers’ Championship—splitting the Ferraris and the Mercedes in a car that was written off during pre-season testing.
Efficiency Over Ego
What makes this run impressive is the lack of “rookie” mistakes. While veterans are grappling with the 2026 power units, Bearman has found a rhythm that looks effortless. He isn’t fighting the car; he’s navigating it with a precision that mirrors the greats who have mastered Suzuka before him.
Haas, often the underdog, has finally found a driver who can maximize every ounce of their development budget. They aren’t just “participating” anymore—they are genuinely in the hunt.
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