Haas rules out Toyota having ‘first refusal’ over F1 team sale after mega technical deal
The Haas F1 team ruled out the possibility of being sold to Toyota in the coming seasons after striking a technical partnership.
Follow Us
Haas VF24 (via Haas F1 team) Toyota logo (via Toyota)
The Haas F1 team struck a technical partnership deal with Toyota recently ahead of the US GP. Both giants are set to share technical knowledge with each other amidst the team’s other partners. Moreover, rumors flourished regarding the Japanese giant completely purchasing the American-based constructor in Formula 1. However, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu provided clarity on the situation.
The Haas F1 team has showcased a steadfast improvement in performance in the 2024 season under newly-appointed Ayao Komatsu. Following the Toyota-Haas F1 deal, Komatsu claimed that the team owner Gene Haas was not selling the team. Moreover, the Japanese highlighted that the owner was more interested in improving performance throughout the season.
To start with, Gene’s not selling the team. Every single time he’s asking me, how can we go better? What can we do to make the car go faster? He’s not interested in selling.
Ayao Komatsu told Planetf1.com
Following the impressive performance this season, Komatsu reckoned that Gene Haas received multiple offers to buy out the team. However, Haas did not want to sell the team as he declined all the offers. Subsequently, the team principal negated any ‘first refusal’ offers for Toyota in case the team was up for being sold in Formula 1.
I believe he had so many offers, actually, but he refused every single one of them, so the team’s not up for sale – and then we haven’t even spoken about a first refusal or anything like that. That’s not being on the topic. It is a long term [project], very long term.
Ayao Komatsu added
The Haas F1 team all set to become ‘more competitive’ amidst Toyota’s deal
Toyota’s deal with the Haas F1 team would provide them with massive knowledge for improving performance. Ayao Komatsu highlighted that the Japanese giant was providing help in areas where Ferrari’s Power Unit didn’t support. Hence, the deal between the two only promised to add more to the capability of the American constructor in Formula 1.
You know, the area that Toyota’s touching is the area that we don’t get support from Ferrari, and that we’ve been doing it on our own. So, that really just adds to our capability and then a chance to understand the car better, so that we can make our team more competitive.
Ayao Komatsu noted
The Kannapolis-based team is in a battle with RB and Alpine for the 6th spot in the pecking order. As the 2024 season finale inches closer, the constructor must go full-throttle in order to improve performance. Moreover, the team will also take great learnings for the upcoming season after signing potent drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon.
Stay Updated!
Aditya Pandya
(1388 Articles Published)