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Haas Puts Performance First on Drivers as Toyota’s Role Grows

Komatsu says only proven pace will earn a Haas seat.

Overview

  • The team boss reiterated that any candidate proposed through the Toyota link will be chosen only if they are the best option on performance.
  • Komatsu said this principle is shared by Toyota leadership, citing Akio Toyoda’s agreement that a seat cannot be perceived as bought.
  • Toyota becomes Haas’s title sponsor in 2026 as the partnership expands from technical support to a more structured development pathway.
  • Haas trialed driver integration in 2025 with a TPC test for Toyota factory driver Ryo Hirakawa, and further personnel collaboration is planned at Banbury.
  • With Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon signed through 2026, Haas expects lineup stability, and Komatsu dismissed short‑term speculation around Yuki Tsunoda.