In response to Ayao Komatsu, Haas can draw vital confidence from its current development, additional strengthened by Toyota’s involvement. However what has actually modified within the relationship with Ferrari following the Japanese producer’s entry into the image?
The Haas staff principal, Ayao Komatsu, revealed that the elevated involvement of Toyota with the American staff has not altered the foundations on which the squad is constructed, specifically its long-standing collaboration with Ferrari. From this yr, Toyota, by way of its Gazoo Racing division, has additionally turn into Haas’s title sponsor, ranging from New Yr’s Day.
Talking about Toyota’s position, Ayao Komatsu confirmed that the Japanese model wish to have a say in future driver choices, whereas stressing that on-track efficiency will stay the decisive criterion on the subject of awarding a race seat. At current, Esteban Ocon is partnered by Oliver Bearman, a driver who’s a part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
The Haas staff principal additionally revealed that Toyota president Akio Toyoda requested about Ferrari’s response to the growth of the partnership with the Japanese producer. Nonetheless, Komatsu confirmed that nothing has modified within the relationship between the 2 events. He defined that whereas Ferrari helps Haas in sure areas as a buyer staff, Toyota will assist cowl different areas wherein Ferrari should function independently.
Has the connection between Haas and Ferrari modified? “With out Ferrari, we wouldn’t be right here”
When requested how the more and more shut collaboration with Toyota might affect the connection with Ferrari, Ayao Komatsu replied: “In actuality, nothing modifications. As I’ve stated since day one, our existence, our foundations, are Ferrari. With out Ferrari, we wouldn’t be right here.”
“Then we’re growing the work with Toyota, having solely began final yr, and one of many first questions Akio requested me was: ‘Will Ferrari be okay with this?’ So it’s not that Toyota is attempting to step into areas the place Ferrari already works with us.”
“There are some areas, clearly outlined by the laws, the place Ferrari may help us, and others the place it can’t as a result of it’s our competitor. And it’s exactly in these areas that we work along with Toyota and with TGR, so there is no such thing as a downside from that viewpoint.”
“I’ve been utterly clear with Ferrari as effectively and, as soon as once more, the truth that Akio-san, for somebody who’s the president of Toyota Motor Company, says to me because the very very first thing, ‘I don’t wish to create any downside with Ferrari,’ exhibits that he’s a terrific particular person.”
Jan 3, 2026
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