Haas F1 boss Ayao Komatsu admits ahead of Belgian Grand Prix "our cars ultimately not fast enough"

Haas head to Spa-Francorchamps seeking to reverse a difficult run and gather data that can assist the continued development of the VF-26.

In the team preview of the weekend in Belgium, Konatsu said: “Spa is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, so it’s important we maximise every session from Friday onwards. This is especially the case following two challenging race weekends, where our cars were ultimately not fast enough to challenge for the points-scoring positions.”

Komatsu said Haas had devised a test programme aimed at improving its performance: “We have a clear test plan in mind, not only to get the best out of the car at Spa, but also to provide valuable feedback to the factory for future development of the VF-26.

“We’ve operated at a high level in the last few races, so we’re focused on building on that and getting the maximum out of the planned programme," added the Haas F1 team boss.

Haas scored with both drivers in the sprint race at Spa last season, when Esteban Ocon finished fifth and Ollie Bearman placed seventh.

Bearman said Spa’s unpredictable conditions could offer Haas an opportunity: “The weather can also make things interesting as the circuit has its own microclimate, so I’d be shocked if we didn’t see a bit of rain."

"It keeps everyone on their toes, and for us right now, it could provide a much-needed opportunity to challenge for points. We’re working on numerous areas right now, knowing our focus points and limitations, but if we can achieve everything within our control, I’m still excited for what this weekend can bring,” the Englishman added.

Ocon said he felt more comfortable in the car at Silverstone despite another challenging weekend for the team: “It wasn’t the easiest weekend for us as a team, but I personally felt much better in the car than the last few races, so we hope to carry that forward into this weekend,” Ocon said.

The Belgian Grand Prix will mark 10 years since Ocon made his Formula One debut at Spa in 2016. The Frenchman also recorded his best qualifying result at the circuit: “It’s where I made my debut in 2016 and also where I achieved my best qualifying result, so it holds a lot of memories.

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since that first race – time flies," said Ocon, who added that his team needed to take advantage of any opportunities created by Spa’s changeable weather. “We’re currently in a position where we need to seize any opportunity that presents itself, and we’ll be focused on maximising each session and building momentum through the weekend.

Spa’s 7.004-km circuit is the longest on the Formula 1 calendar and combines extended flat-out sections with medium- and high-speed corners. Its location in the Ardennes Forest can produce rapidly changing conditions, with rain sometimes falling on one section of the circuit while another remains dry.