Key Highlights:
- Haas has revealed a new, vibrant Godzilla-themed special livery for the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
- The custom “Godzilla Minus Zero” design will run on the VF-26 race cars driven by Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon.
- Created in partnership with Japanese entertainment studio TOHO CO., LTD., the livery celebrates an upcoming movie release with bold patterns and distinct splashes of light blue.
The Haas Formula 1 Team has officially unveiled a dramatic, eye-catching Godzilla-themed livery set to race at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix. The bespoke look will adorn the VF-26 challengers piloted by Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon around the Circuit of the Americas, marking a bold visual evolution for the American outfit as it prepares to compete in front of a home crowd.
Expanding the TOHO Partnership at Circuit of the Americas
The striking exterior update comes as part of an ongoing season-long collaboration established between Haas and TOHO CO., LTD., the renowned Japanese entertainment studio that created and owns the iconic fictional giant monster. This Austin showcase marks the second major installment of the partnership, following an initial Godzilla concept that made its track debut earlier in the campaign at the Japanese Grand Prix.
For the Texas event, Haas has styled the machine with a distinctive ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ design to help celebrate the entertainment franchise’s upcoming film release. The United States Grand Prix serves as a pivotal marquee event for Haas, representing one of three designated home stops on the Formula 1 calendar alongside the Miami Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
A Departure from Traditional Palette to Celebrate Film Launch
Visually, the new aesthetic represents a fresh deviation from typical Haas aesthetics. While the initial Japanese Grand Prix livery remained closely tethered to the team’s signature foundation of white, black, and red, the latest Austin design injects bold new colors into the mix. Fans watching Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon on track will notice dynamic splashes of light blue integrated alongside vibrant, aggressive patterns directly influenced by the cinematic monster.
Why This Matters
Formula 1’s domestic footprint in the United States has expanded significantly, giving American-based competitors like Haas high-profile commercial opportunities during home race weekends. By collaborating with an internationally celebrated IP like Godzilla and entertainment giant TOHO, Haas not only boosts brand visibility at the Circuit of the Americas but also bridges motorsport culture with global pop-culture franchises ahead of a major studio film launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drivers will use the special Godzilla livery in Austin?
Both Haas drivers, Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, will run the Godzilla-inspired styling on their VF-26 cars throughout the United States Grand Prix weekend.
How is this United States GP design different from the Japanese GP livery?
While the previous Japanese Grand Prix version stayed within the traditional Haas color framework of black, white, and red, the ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ design introduces notable splashes of light blue accompanied by bold, themed patterns.
Who is the promotional partner behind the special Haas livery?
The livery was designed in collaboration with TOHO CO., LTD., the Japanese studio behind Godzilla, as part of a season-long partnership celebrating an upcoming movie release.
