Haas Method 1 driver Esteban Ocon thinks the collection’ overhauled hybrid engines will imply drivers “can overlook every thing that we have discovered since go-karts on learn how to go quick”.
F1 is on the precipice of its largest guidelines change in a long time with lively aerodynamics and a a lot larger electrical part to its V6 turbo hybrids set to shake ip the collection. The ruleset has to this point landed blended critiques from drivers who tried out their new equipment on the simulator, although the primary actual indication will comply with when vehicles hit the observe in anger at Barcelona’s shakedown subsequent week, adopted by two official exams in Bahrain.
However having sampled his Haas VF-26 for the primary time within the digital world earlier than Christmas, Ocon says drivers must rewire their racing brains to benefit from their hybrid engines’ power deployment.
“It’s a really explicit means of driving the automobile. There’s going to be much more administration on the engine aspect and on the hybrid aspect,” Ocon stated as Haas revealed its 2026 challenger on Monday. “The automobile itself felt fairly good. The stability was respectable, though after all it was our first style within the simulator, so we have to see how it’s in actuality, however the stage of grip was good.
“Clearly, the most important change is from the engine aspect, and that is going to be the important thing for us to be ready. It is an thrilling problem, and it is a totally different means of driving in comparison with earlier than. I feel we are able to overlook every thing that we have discovered since go-karts on learn how to go quick, however it will likely be attention-grabbing to study a brand new driving model and hopefully discover pace with it.”
Haas VF-26
Picture by: Haas F1 Crew
Ocon, who is ready for his ninth full F1 season and his second marketing campaign with the US-owned squad, thinks the expertise in numerous eras of the collection will stand him in good stead, having made his maiden F1 take a look at with a V8-powered Lotus automobile from 2012.
“That is undoubtedly the most important rule change I’ve ever confronted,” he stated. “The primary time I drove a Method 1 automobile was within the V8 period, then we went to a hybrid system, the place I drove someday in Valencia again then and went to Abu Dhabi for FP1. It was most likely an analogous change to what we’ll face now, however as I stated, we have to overlook every thing that has occurred earlier than.
“We have to study every thing new once more, so I feel the expertise helps to adapt shortly, however we have to adapt every thing. All of our senses, how we really feel, we’ll must assume much more whereas driving about what to do, to go faster. It’s thrilling, and it’s going to be attention-grabbing.”
Echoing feedback from Ferrari workforce boss Fred Vasseur and others, the 29-year-old is anticipating the preliminary pecking order at 2026’s first race in Australia to endure loads of modifications given the speedy positive aspects groups are anticipated to seek out.
“I might say by the third or fourth race we’ll have some indication, however it received’t be the ultimate pecking order as a result of there’s going to be loads of improvement, particularly on this first 12 months,” stated the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner. “It’s undoubtedly value taking all of the factors you’ll be able to as early as you’ll be able to, however even when we’re not precisely the place we wish to be, there are nonetheless issues to seize in the course of the season the place a lot of groups will probably be bringing updates.”
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