Gene Haas annoyance revealed over 'numerous offers' to buy F1 team

Ayao Komatsu has revealed the extent of owner Gene Haas' revitalised interest in his Formula 1 team.

Celebrating its 10th season on the F1 grid, the team has ensured its fair share of struggles, to such an extent that at various times it has appeared as if Haas would sell up and walk away.

Haas, though, has seemingly found a new lease of life, despite the team languishing in ninth position in the constructors' standings, albeit fighting at the heart of an enthralling battle involving Sauber, Williams, Aston Martin and Alpine, and with the sport gearing up for a dramatic change with new regulations next season.

Haas team principal Komatsu claims he has seen "lots of changes" in Haas of late, notably that he is "so engaged," to such an extent that he "understands the details well".

"He's always been very, very passionate about the sport and the result," said Komatsu. "He always wants us to improve, which is what we need from the owner.

"He is always behind us. I don't know everything, but I know in the last 18 months he has had numerous offers to buy the team, but he's not interested.

"He's very much enjoying being the owner of the F1 team currently, one of 10 this year, one of 11 next, and that's such a privileged position to be in.

"He came in at a time when it [the sport] wasn't like this now, and he stuck with us during the difficult Covid period, and now he's enjoying it."

Passion sparked Goodwood drive

Komatsu even managed to convince Haas to enjoy the fruits of his labours by taking part in last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 72-year-old American, following a period of adaptation at the Stowe Circuit a couple of weeks previously, drove the 2023 VF-23.

"When he came to Miami [for the Grand Prix in early May], I could see he was enjoying just being there," said Komatsu.

"He always asks lots of technical questions because he's interested, and that didn't change, but then on top of that, he was just enjoying the occasion.

"So that's when I thought I would ask him if he would drive at Goodwood. For him to experience things like that, it adds another dimension to his life."

Komatsu insists the commitment of Haas, which has often been questioned in the past, is now unequivocal, forcing him to express himself when persistently asked to sell.

"Honestly, Gene is so committed, and the main thing is, he's enjoying it," said Komatsu. "We are grateful we have such a passionate owner, so committed and not interested in selling at all.

"I can tell you that recently we had some people really pushing to buy, but he's not interested. He got even annoyed that these guys were asking so many times."