Haas Says Toyota Drivers in Play, But Insists Performance Will Dictate Lineup

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that the team's deepening partnership with title sponsor Toyota could open the door for one of the manufacturer's drivers to join the grid. While Toyota's influence is set to grow significantly for the 2026 season, Komatsu was adamant that performance will be the sole deciding factor for any driver, dismissing the notion of a "pay-to-drive" seat.

Why it matters:

This development signals a major strategic shift for Haas, potentially providing the American team with greater resources and stability. For the driver market, it introduces a new dynamic, as talented drivers from Toyota's extensive program in categories like Super Formula and the World Endurance Championship now have a clearer path to F1, putting pressure on the current lineup of Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

The details:

• Toyota's Expanding Role: The Japanese manufacturer will become Haas' title sponsor in 2026, building on an existing technical partnership focused on personnel development.
• Driver Discussion Confirmed: Komatsu explicitly stated that Toyota has raised the topic of fielding one of their drivers, noting it's one of their "many goals" with the collaboration.
• Performance is Non-Negotiable: Komatsu stressed that any driver, regardless of their affiliation, must be the "best choice in terms of performance." He emphasized that neither he nor Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda wants to be perceived as "buying a seat with money," insisting a driver would only be placed if they are genuinely competitive.
• A Deep Driver Pool: Toyota has a roster of drivers across various motorsport disciplines, providing a potential pipeline of talent for Haas to evaluate.

What's next:

The focus will now be on whether any driver from Toyota's program can prove they have the pace required for F1. While the 2025 season line-up appears set, the 2026 driver market could see significant movement if a Toyota-backed driver impresses in junior categories or testing. Ultimately, Haas's future driver decisions will serve as a true test of the partnership's "performance-first" mantra, balancing manufacturer interest with on-track results.