Ayao Komatsu has been setting Oliver Bearman the goal of beating Red Bull during the 2026 F1 season

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As Haas have enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season, Ayao Komatsu had his eyes set on competing with Red Bull.

Undoubtedly, Oliver Bearman has been the star for Haas so far this season, earning 17 points for the team in the first two races and the sprint in Shanghai.

While Bearman’s nervousness was evident in his rookie year, that energy has been replaced with a reassured driving style in 2026.

After Kimi Antonelli’s win in Shanghai, which F2 graduate will be the next to win their first Grand Prix?

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Many fans believe Bearman will win his first race soon, as the British driver has shown a level of confidence far beyond his years this season.

But these expectations weren’t just placed on Bearman by fans and experts. Even Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu backed Bearman to compete this year, especially against Red Bull.

READ MORE: Oliver Bearman ‘should really go to McLaren’ as Lewis Hamilton blocks his path to Ferrari

Ayao Komatsu reveals Haas set goals to ‘fight’ Red Bull during Chinese GP

Ayao Komatsu wrote a column for Auto Sport Japan, where he discussed his key takeaways from the first two races this season.

In the column, he revealed that Haas had been eyeing a battle with Red Bull to try and claim fourth place in the constructors’ championship standings by the end of the Chinese Grand Prix.

“I didn’t say this to anyone, but as of Saturday night, my goal was actually to finish the Chinese Grand Prix in fourth place in the championship.”

“I knew Red Bull wasn’t that fast this time, so I figured if we did what we had to do properly, we could fight Red Bull.”

“Well, we’ve only had the first two races, so it’s understandable considering our championship position, but with so many cars retiring at this time of year, it’s important that we’re always in the position we need to be.”

“I think we’ve had at least one car in that position at the Australian Grand Prix and now in the three sprint and main races, so I see it as evidence that the team is growing.”

READ MORE: Oliver Bearman addresses his chances of leaving Haas for Ferrari at the end of the 2026 season

A brilliant P5 for Ollie Bearman in China!

What do you think is his ceiling at Haas in 2026?

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Oliver Bearman showing he can help Haas thrive in midfield battle

While Esteban Ocon failed to earn points at the Chinese Grand Prix, Oliver Bearman finishing P5 in Shanghai allowed Haas to score points for the second consecutive race this year.

Bearman has managed to score points at every possible opportunity this season, showing that he can be relied upon to deliver when it matters most for Haas.

Given the issues many of Haas’ midfield rivals like Williams, Alpine, and Aston Martin are facing this season, Bearman’s points have allowed the team to establish themselves as the premier midfield team.

Haas must make sure they capitalise on the strong performances from Bearman this season and continue to put him in the best position to succeed, as he could help them earn their best finish in the constructors’ championship in years.