Komatsu Slams Bearman €6m Salary Rumour as 'Absolute Nonsense'

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has rejected speculation that Oliver Bearman’s unresolved contract is being held up by a €6 million salary demand, calling the claim “absolute nonsense.” The rumour surfaced after Haas confirmed Rafael Camara for 2027 but did not officially announce Bearman as his team-mate, despite expectations he will stay.

Why it matters:

Haas is entering a transitional season: Esteban Ocon is leaving, Camara is arriving, and Bearman has said he wants to continue. A public contract dispute would undermine the stable lineup the team believes it has built.

The details:

• Komatsu would not explain the exact hold-up.
• He insisted Bearman’s side and Haas/Toyota Gazoo Racing want to keep working together: “Our intentions from both parties are fully aligned.”
• He said the €6m figure was the first he had seen on Instagram and was “not even close to the truth.”
• He also dismissed a false Miami claim that he had argued with Ocon as another invented story.
• He criticised outlets that repeat claims without checking sources, saying the cycle makes rumours appear credible.

Between the lines:

Komatsu’s anger was aimed less at one number than at how unchecked stories shape a narrative. Haas wants the delay framed as a process issue, not a breakdown.

What’s next:

Bearman is still expected to be confirmed alongside Camara. Komatsu is confident a solution will be found, but until Haas announces it, questions will continue.