News Summary

Haas has unveiled a striking Godzilla-inspired Formula 1 livery for the 2026 United States Grand Prix, transforming the VF-26 cars of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon with blue graphics and illustrations of the Japanese movie monster as the American team prepares for its home race in Austin.

The special design, revealed on Monday, October 19, marks the second collaboration between Haas and Japanese entertainment company TOHO during the 2026 season. The partnership began at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka and now returns to promote the upcoming film Godzilla Minus Zero, scheduled to open in American cinemas on November 6.

Unlike the predominantly white, black and red design introduced in Japan, the Austin version features light-blue sections across the sidepods and bodywork, with Godzilla prominently displayed on both sides of the car. The team’s familiar white base remains, while red is retained in selected branding elements.

Bearman and Ocon will also wear specially designed race suits, with additional themed clothing prepared for Haas personnel and F1 Academy driver Kaylee Countryman.

Haas brings Godzilla back for United States GP

The partnership between Haas and TOHO was announced in March, creating the first collaboration between the American Formula 1 team and a major entertainment franchise.

The initial design appeared at Suzuka, where Godzilla featured on the VF-26 during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

Austin will now host the second chapter, with the new livery directly inspired by Godzilla Minus Zero.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu welcomed the opportunity to expand the partnership during one of the team’s most important events of the season.

“We were incredibly proud of what we created with TOHO and Godzilla at the Japanese Grand Prix, and we’re excited to bring the King of the Monsters back for our home race in Austin,” Komatsu said.

The Japanese executive described the new design as another opportunity to introduce Formula 1 to audiences beyond traditional motorsport supporters.

“We’re breaking new ground in Formula 1 by launching a sequel livery, and it’s something we’re very proud of,” he added.

The project is particularly relevant to Haas because of its growing relationship with Japanese motorsport and automotive companies. Toyota Gazoo Racing became the team’s title partner for 2026, strengthening an existing technical collaboration.

The Godzilla initiative gives the American operation another connection with Japanese culture, while the upcoming film release provides a commercial opportunity in the United States.

Godzilla Minus Zero transforms Haas’ traditional colours

The Austin design retains the basic visual identity of the VF-26 but introduces several distinctive elements.

The most noticeable change is the use of blue across the front and sides of the car, contrasting with the white bodywork. Godzilla’s image appears prominently on the sidepods, while additional graphics extend towards the engine cover.

The team’s usual red accents have been reduced, although selected Toyota Gazoo Racing branding and other elements retain the colour.

The special design will appear on both cars throughout the United States Grand Prix weekend, beginning with Friday’s opening free-practice session.

Haas has also prepared a dedicated merchandise collection, including driver shirts and team hoodies. The clothing is available through the team’s official commercial channels.

The collaboration will extend beyond the circuit, with a physical launch event in Austin featuring Bearman, Ocon, Komatsu and Countryman.

TOHO executive Keiji Ota, responsible for the international expansion of the Godzilla brand, welcomed the continuation of the partnership.

He highlighted the response generated by the original Japanese Grand Prix collaboration and expressed enthusiasm about bringing the project to the American audience ahead of the film’s release.

Bearman and Ocon prepare for Haas home race

The visual transformation comes as Haas attempts to improve its results during the closing stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The American team enters Austin seventh in the Constructors’ Championship with 30 points, seven ahead of Audi and 38 behind Alpine.

Bearman has scored 23 of those points, compared with seven for Ocon. The British driver has been Haas’ strongest performer across the season, although both competitors have struggled to maintain consistent results.

The team failed to score in Singapore, where Bearman finished 12th and Ocon 13th.

Haas nevertheless believes it made progress with its setup and race operations during the weekend, providing a foundation for its home Grand Prix.

Komatsu described Circuit of The Americas as the team’s most important home event, despite the United States also hosting races in Miami and Las Vegas.

“We’re excited to come back to COTA, one of three US races on the calendar, but what we consider our biggest home race,” he said.

The team principal also expressed confidence that the progress made in Singapore could help Haas challenge for points in Austin.

Bearman is looking forward to returning to a circuit where he finished ninth in 2025, while Ocon emphasised the importance of making the most of a conventional Grand Prix weekend with three free-practice sessions.

Ocon prepares for final Haas races before Câmara’s arrival

The Austin event also comes during an important period for Haas’ driver line-up.

Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of 2026, with Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara confirmed as his replacement alongside Bearman.

The Brazilian secured his Formula 1 opportunity after winning consecutive junior championships and establishing himself as a leading contender for the 2026 Formula 2 title.

As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported when the announcement was made, Câmara’s promotion forms part of Ferrari’s long-term driver development programme.

Haas team principal Komatsu has also explained the decision to replace Ocon, whose experience had initially been considered important to the team’s development under the new regulations.

Komatsu’s explanation of the driver change highlighted the factors involved in choosing the team’s 2027 line-up.

Ocon will therefore compete in the Godzilla-themed VF-26 during one of his final American Grands Prix with Haas.

Bearman, meanwhile, will remain with the team for 2027, partnering Câmara as Haas continues developing its technical collaboration with Toyota.

Austin prepares for another weekend of special F1 liveries

Haas is not the only team introducing a different visual identity for the United States Grand Prix.

Ferrari has revealed special red-and-white race suits for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, while Red Bull has prepared Ford Raptor-inspired clothing and a cowboy-themed helmet for Max Verstappen.

As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported on Monday, Ferrari’s presentation has also raised expectations of a possible one-off SF-26 livery, although the team has not officially confirmed a change to the car’s colours.

Red Bull has also unveiled its special Ford-inspired Austin appearance, including exclusive clothing and a redesigned garage.

Unlike those announcements, Haas has confirmed that the Godzilla design will appear directly on its Formula 1 cars.

The United States Grand Prix takes place from October 23–25 at Circuit of The Americas, with Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s 56-lap race.