Haas 'positive' on budget push, dismisses BWT rumors

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu says the team is making 'positive' progress in its search for new sponsorship, as the American outfit looks to push its yearly budget closer to the $215 million cap. F1's smallest team, Haas employs just over 400 people and has been operating well below the cap in both of its iterations.

Why it matters:

Closing the budget gap would allow Haas to increase its headcount and improve tooling and infrastructure, areas Komatsu has previously identified as holding the team back. A stronger financial footing could also help the team secure a more competitive driver lineup as it grows.

The details:

• Komatsu confirmed talks with multiple prospects: 'We're talking to so many prospects; it's getting there. I'd say very positive about next year's budget.'
• He dismissed rumors linking Haas to BWT, currently Alpine's title sponsor: 'We're not going to have pink cars, if that's what you are saying!'
• Toyota Gazoo Racing is Haas's current title sponsor, having replaced MoneyGram this year.
• Komatsu said commercial factors will only influence driver selection if two candidates are 'within a tenth' of each other. He wants two fast drivers, regardless of their affiliations.

What's next:

Haas is evaluating five potential drivers for 2027, including current incumbent Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tsunoda, along with test drivers Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara. With the budget boost, the team expects to finalize its lineup based purely on performance.