Haas finished last year’s Championship in a respectable 8th, regularly fighting for points in a competitive midfield.
Despite this, there are fundamental concerns about the team’s long-term prospects. Under the leadership of team principal Ayao Komatsu, Haas can be credited with punching above their weight and optimising their limited resources.
The question is whether this is sustainable – with a far smaller workforce and bare-bones facilities compared to rivals.
This is where Haas’ collaboration with Toyota comes into play. The Japanese giant will be a crucial partner moving forward, and will start playing a role in key decisions – including driver selection.
Komatsu confirms Toyota has voice, but performance remains king
Historically, Haas have enjoyed a strong relationship with Ferrari. As one of the Scuderia’s customers, they have used Ferrari engines, gearboxes and other components.
There is also a history of Haas of signing Ferrari juniors, from Mick Schumacher to Oliver Bearman. Of course, in Bearman’s case, Komatsu always rated the 20-year-old highly – and did not require a nudge from Maranello to offer him a contract.
Regardless, the collaboration between these teams has been significant.
Ayao Komatsu insists this bond it still an important one – hardly a surprise, given that Haas remain a customer team.
Nevertheless, Haas are entering a new and transformative chapter with Toyota. Now officially competing under the name TGR Haas F1 Team, the American outfit is working closely with the Japanese brand.
Critically, this alliance has allowed for Haas to construct their own simulator facility in Banbury, England, scheduled to come online later in 2026.
Additionally, the pool of engineers at Toyota’s disposal can help reinforce the US Squad’s relatively small group of personnel.
Of course, the Japanese brand also benefits from this collaboration.
Several Toyota-affiliated drivers, such as Ryo Hirakawa and Kamui Kobayashi, have completed TPC tests with Haas over the last twelve months.
In terms of drivers, Ayao Komatsu has discussed if Toyota will have future role in driver selection:
“Yeah, of course,” Motorsport Week quotes Komatsu as saying.
“Their goal, one of many goals they have, is to, like we said with developing people – one of them is drivers.
“But [the] main thing is, performance is first. Anybody who gets in our race car, it has to be the best choice in terms of performance.
“We all agree on that one, even from Akio-san [Akio Toyoda, Toyota Chairman].
“Even if he wanted, let’s say, a Japanese driver from his academy – it becomes a joke if we’re putting that driver when he’s not good enough.”
More firepower needed at Haas
When Komatsu first became Haas team principal, he was candid about two key things. The first, which justified his promotion, was that Haas could be more efficient with their resources.
The team’s finishing positions in the last two seasons (7th and 8th) validate this claim.
Haas now regularly feature in the top 10 under Komatsu, something that was rarely true from 2019-2023.
However, not long after his appointment, the 49-year-old also spoke about the deficiencies Haas must overcome. He has revealed that most teams have double or even triple the employees at Haas.
In this sense, the team’s agreement with Toyota is a game-changer. It provides a much-needed boost in resources, which will be critical going forward.
Of course, Toyota’s involvement has triggered speculation about whether purchasing the team is a long-term objective. Unsurprisingly, this suggestion is denied by all parties.
Regardless, this arrangement is clearly a win-win. Toyota get to put their drivers in private tests, occasional free practice sessions – and potentially put forward candidates for an F1 seat.
Haas, meanwhile, find themselves with more financial firepower in a sport with no shortage of major players.
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Main photo: Simon Galloway/LAT Images (Haas F1 Team Media Gallery)