Haas F1 Team will feature a special Godzilla-themed livery on its VF-26 cars at the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin. The team aims to secure championship points at what it considers its most significant home event. This marks the second Godzilla collaboration with Japanese entertainment company TOHO this season.
The livery promotes the upcoming film, ‘Godzilla Minus Zero,’ which is scheduled for theatrical release in Japan on November 3, 2026. North American cinemas will begin showing the film from November 6, 2026.
The Austin livery features light-blue sections across the sidepods and bodywork, with Godzilla prominently displayed. This design differs from the predominantly white, black, and red livery used at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier in the year.
Drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will wear specially designed race suits. Additional themed clothing has been prepared for Haas personnel and F1 Academy driver Kaylee Countryman.
The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is Round 18 of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This event initiates a demanding triple-header, followed by races in Mexico City and São Paulo.
Haas currently holds seventh position in the Constructors’ Championship with 30 points. The team is seven points ahead of Audi but 38 points behind Alpine, which occupies sixth place.
The team demonstrated a strong start to the 2026 season, achieving five top-10 finishes within the first six rounds. However, since the Monaco Grand Prix, Haas has scored points in only one race.
This sole points-scoring event since Monaco was the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Ocon and Bearman both finished within the top nine.
At the recent Singapore Grand Prix, Round 17 of the season, Bearman finished 12th and Ocon 13th. Both drivers completed the race a lap down, failing to add to the team’s points tally.
Oliver Bearman has accumulated 20 points in the 2026 season, while Esteban Ocon has secured 7 points.
Bearman has expressed frustration with the inconsistent characteristics of the VF-26. He noted that the car’s behaviour can vary significantly, requiring him to ‘relearn what car you’re driving’ each weekend.
Haas introduced a major upgrade package at the Italian Grand Prix in September 2026. This included a new chassis and bodywork, which Bearman described as a ‘night and day difference’ in car feel.
For the Austin race, Haas has brought a substantial upgrade focusing on a new floor design. This includes modifications to the floor body, fences, and edge, intended to increase aerodynamic load.
The upgrade package also features a refined rear corner winglet and a tweaked mirror stay on the sidepod. These components are designed to improve high-speed corner performance and airflow alignment.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu believes the team made encouraging progress during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. He cited improvements in car setup and operational execution.
We’re excited to come back to COTA, one of three US races on the calendar, but what we consider our biggest home race. I think we made a step forward in Singapore in terms of car setup and operations, so we’re keen to continue on that trend and capitalise on every opportunity we get.
Komatsu aims to maintain this momentum at COTA while embracing the additional attention surrounding the American race.
Circuit of The Americas, a purpose-built facility, opened in 2012 and has since become a permanent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar. Its contract was extended through the 2034 season.
The circuit is known for its varied layout, featuring the steep Turn 1, high-speed esses, and a long back straight that provides a key overtaking opportunity.
COTA’s construction on soft clay means the track surface is prone to evolving bumps, which adds to the challenge for drivers.
Additional fan activities are planned in Austin, including an exclusive event at Domain NORTHSIDE Shopping Plaza. Komatsu, Ocon, Bearman, and F1 Academy driver Kaylee Countryman will attend.
A Haas F1 Team show car, featuring the special livery, will be displayed at Barton Creek Square from October 23-25.
Esteban Ocon will depart Haas at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Rafael Camara has been confirmed as his replacement from 2027.
Komatsu has stated that Oliver Bearman is ready to assume a leadership role within the team for the 2027 season.
