Haas Formula 1 Team boss Ayao Komatsu says the team’s Canadian Grand Prix upgrade package can put it back in the top 10 fight, but warned the Sprint format will make Friday execution critical in Montreal.

Haas were one of the teams who opted not to get a major upgrade for the Miami Grand Prix, only bringing a tweaked diffuser, but will now debut a revised VF-26 this weekend in Montreal.

Previewing the race in Canada, Komatsu said: “As a team, we always look forward to the Canadian Grand Prix. It's a great city to go to and a very unique circuit with lots of rich history. This year we're going slightly earlier than usual, so I'm sure the weather is going to play a part.

“For us, we're looking forward to the weekend as we have an upgrade package coming. As it's a Sprint weekend, we'll only have FP1 to evaluate it, understand it and get the best out it.

“It's quite a lot to do, but that's what a lot of other teams did in Miami, so we're really up for the challenge. We're all looking forward to having this package to fight in the top ten.

“We're aiming to get the best out of the car and push forward in what's already proving to be a close, competitive season," Komatsu concluded.

Bearman targets points after P11 frustration

Ollie Bearman returns to Montreal aiming to improve on last year’s P11, with Haas expecting its new parts to help the team fight in the midfield.

Bearman said: “Last year in Montreal I thought there was more we could've achieved, so I'm definitely looking to improve on that P11.

“We're bringing our next upgrade to Canada, but of course with it being a Sprint weekend it's going to be a hard task to get it into the perfect window right away, however I have no doubts that we should be in that midfield pack fighting for points in both races.

“I love the city of Montreal, the fans, the circuit...and even the weather! We're coming three weeks earlier this year than last, so I wonder if that will spice things up," the Briton concluded.

Esteban Ocon also expects Haas to respond after 13th place in a difficult Miami weekend, with simulator work and preparation focused on unlocking performance quickly.

Ocon looking to put tough Miami weekend behind

Ocon said: “It's been nice to have a couple of weeks after Miami to regroup and prepare ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. We've been hard at work training and in the simulator with the team, so I'm looking forward to getting back in the car.

“Coming back to Montreal is always special and it has a bit of a home race feeling given it's in North America and, of course, because French is the local language.

“The vibe in the city is always electric, the Canadian fans are always great, and the track is exciting to drive.

“Miami was a tough race for us, but it provided quite a few pointers on where we need to improve, so we've been closely looking at that. We've also got an upgrade coming to the car this weekend and hopefully we'll get that working straight away as it's another Sprint weekend.”

For Haas, Canada now becomes an immediate test of development and execution. With only FP1 before competitive running begins, the team must prove quickly whether its latest package can deliver the top 10 performance Komatsu is targeting.