Haas F1 Team Principal Komatsu Reports Positive Sponsorship Progress as Budget Nears Cap

Haas Formula 1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed the American squad is making significant progress in its search for additional sponsorship as it works to push its annual budget toward the $215 million cost cap.

Current Sponsorship Landscape

As F1’s smallest team, Haas employs just over 400 personnel and has historically operated well below the budget cap in both of its regulatory iterations. The team secured a title sponsorship deal with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division for the current season, replacing money transfer company MoneyGram. However, Haas continues to actively expand its commercial portfolio to close the financial gap to its competitors.

Recent speculation has linked Haas with Austrian water technology company BWT, currently the title sponsor of Alpine. BWT is expected to depart the French squad at the end of this season as Alpine prepares to launch a new title partnership with fashion house Gucci for 2027. This is not the first time Haas has been connected with BWT; the company was previously considered a potential partner after ending its deal with Aston Martin in late 2021 before ultimately joining Alpine in search of more prominent pink livery exposure.

Komatsu Provides Budget Update

Earlier this year, Komatsu told Sky Sports that budget constraints were preventing the team from expanding its headcount and upgrading its tooling and infrastructure. He emphasized that his primary responsibility was generating additional revenue by attracting new commercial partners.

Speaking during the Madrid Grand Prix weekend, Komatsu offered a positive assessment of ongoing negotiations with multiple prospective sponsors.

“We’re talking to so many prospects; it’s getting there. I’d say very positive about next year’s budget,” Komatsu stated.

“It just helps massively. But I think slowly and surely we are getting our story out there and finding great people. So, yeah, it’s good so far.”

BWT Rumors Addressed

When questioned directly about the BWT speculation, Komatsu was unequivocal about the visual identity of next year’s cars.

“we’re not going to have pink cars, if that’s what you are saying!”

Driver Selection Remains Performance-Focused

Komatsu also clarified that commercial considerations would not drive the team’s 2027 driver line-up decisions. Haas has been evaluating several candidates through testing programs in previous-specification machinery, including Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara. Komatsu estimated five drivers remain in contention, presumably including current race driver Esteban Ocon—whose form has improved recently—and Yuki Tsunoda.

Asked whether commercial backing would influence the final choice, Komatsu stated it would only become a factor if two candidates were virtually inseparable on pure pace.

“If it’s within a tenth, for instance, very, very close, then affiliation package does come into play for sure. I don’t think [that will be the scenario]. I think we can choose by performance; we haven’t finished the whole programme yet.”

Komatsu reinforced that securing the fastest possible driver pairing remains the team’s overriding priority, regardless of academy affiliations.

“We really want two fast drivers because that’s the best way to grow this team. It doesn’t matter if it’s two Ferrari drivers or two Toyota drivers or two McLaren drivers.”

“I mean, Fornaroli, he’s a McLaren driver, right? But honestly, it doesn’t matter. Whoever is the fastest, that’s the best for the team.”

Team Morale and Championship Implications

The team principal emphasized the motivational impact of performance-based selection on the workforce, while also highlighting the substantial financial value of each constructors’ championship position.

“Again, for everybody, 400 people working here, they need to know that we’ve got the best driver choice that we can get hold of so that these two drivers are getting the best out of the car. Imagine taking somebody half a second off, but extra money. That’s not going to be very motivating.”

“And also, one position in the championship. That’s quite a lot of money, right? For us, like I said, I’m staying consistent. I’ve always said we take drivers by performance. That’s what we’re doing.”