Haas F1 team president Ayao Komatsu confirmed the outfit is gaining momentum in its push for new sponsorships, edging its budget toward the $215 million threshold.
Sponsorship Pressures Mount
Under Komatsu’s leadership, the American constructor, which staffs roughly 400 personnel, has been operating below the FIA’s budget cap since its debut. The team currently counts Toyota Gazoo Racing on its main sponsorship roster, a partnership that replaced MoneyGram earlier this year. Komatsu told Sky Sports that inadequate funding limits crew expansion and hampers tooling upgrades, and that his chief duty is to secure additional revenue streams.
During the latest practice sessions at the Monza circuit, Komatsu said that talks with several prospective partners are underway, aiming to bring the annual spend closer to the cap. “We’re talking to so many prospects; it’s getting there,” he added, emphasizing optimism for next year’s budget.
BWT Rumors and Alpine’s Shift
Speculation that Bavarian water‑filtration giant BWT could become Haas’s title sponsor has intensified, as the company is slated to leave Alpine in 2027 for a new deal with fashion house Gucci. BWT previously supported Aston Martin before moving to Alpine, and its present association with the German marque had positioned it as a likely candidate for Haas. Komatsu dismissed the theory of “pink cars” — a reference to Alpine’s pink livery — stating he would not pursue that route.
Driver Selection Remains Performance‑Driven
Meanwhile, Komatsu underscored that the team is still evaluating a pool of five potential drivers, including current rider Esteban Ocon, with a spotlight on recent performers like Yuki Tsunoda, Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara. He stressed that only two drivers with comparable pace would trigger an affiliation package; otherwise, selection hinges purely on speed. “We can choose from Ferrari, Toyota, McLaren or anyone else if they’re the fastest,” Komatsu said, reasserting a performance‑first ethos.
With headlines about impending sponsorship deals and driver assessments rising, Komatsu signs off with a clear message: the Haas F1 team’s future hinges on securing financial backing while delivering on‑track excellence.
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