Oliver Bearman sits fifth in the 2026 F1 championship after two races, hailing the Haas VF-26 chassis as having a "great baseline" for race performance. While team-mate Esteban Ocon struggled, scoring no points, Bearman secured all 17 points for Haas, finishing seventh in Melbourne and fifth in China. He credited the car's race trim superiority, noting its Ferrari power unit excels on Sundays despite qualifying challenges.

Bearman also highlighted a strategic advantage during the Shanghai race, where a safety car placed him behind Pierre Gasly before he overtook the Alpine driver. However, the technical battle between the two teams remains close, with Gasly's Mercedes power unit offering higher top speed, while Bearman's Ferrari unit delivers stronger low-end torque. The race also exposed Haas' vulnerability, as a pitstop error overcut Ocon, allowing Franco Colapinto to pass him and cost the Frenchman points.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged the error cost Ocon a potential points finish, stating the team aims to replicate their strong race pace in Japan.