Haas spy opportunity in 'rare' F1 situation

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu believes the "rare partnership" with Ferrari and Toyota has offered an opportunity for the F1 privateer to take on the establishment.

Haas heads into its 10th season in F1 in arguably its strongest position over the past decade, courtesy of the support of two manufacturing titans.

Since day one, the team has had a bond with Ferrari via a power unit supply whilst also taking as many other components from the Scuderia as allowed under the regulations.

Last year, though, Haas signed an agreement with Toyota Gazoo Racing, forming a technical alliance that has resulted in access to the latter's wind tunnel facility in Cologne.

In January, Haas conducted its first TPC [Testing of Previous Cars] in Jerez in which new race drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman were involved, along with Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Ritomo Miyata. The test was funded by Toyota.

Komatsu is naturally excited at the prospect of the possibilities of a partnership for his privateer team.

"It's great we have these amazing partnerships," said Komatsu, in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365. "Of course, it's not easy, but I'm not complaining. It's up to us to make it work.

"I believe we have got everybody so excited inside the team. That in itself gives you positive vibes, and also adds credibility to the team."

As to whether the dual partnership applied additional pressure on his shoulders to ensure it worked, he added: "Pressure comes from within. Nobody needs to tell me, 'Ayao, you need to deliver this'. I know I have to deliver.

"I spend every day thinking about how we can improve, and if we make a mistake, what can we do to prevent that and make another step better.

"So, no, it doesn't add pressure. It's more opposite, in the sense that it's an opportunity."

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New 11th team poses 'a threat'

As of next year, Haas will not be the only American team on the grid, as Cadillac joins F1, although official confirmation is pending. It is understood that is due to arrive by the end of this month.

For the first two years, like Haas, it will be provided with power units from Ferrari before GM takes over in 2028.

Komatsu naturally sees Cadillac as a threat, although concedes that "any new team poses a threat because it's another team that can take a championship position away from you".

Unconcerned by Cadillac, he added: "My philosophy doesn't change. I shouldn't be worried about something you cannot control.

"You should focus on what's under your control, which is this team. So that's what I'm focusing on."

It is why Komatsu is delighted he and his team now has Toyota's support as it will allow Haas - the smallest team on the grid with a workforce of only around 330 - to compete on a more equal footing.

"If you look at F1 now, so many teams are manufacturer teams, a works team," said Komatsu. "With a privately owned, let's say a privateer team. it takes a long time. It's hard.

"This is why it's such a great thing that we have this technical partnership with Toyota. Okay, we are not a works team, but how we are set up, with the Ferrari collaboration, that's the foundation. On top of that foundation, we now have Toyota's technical partnership.

"Of course, we have to deliver, but I think we've got the ingredients to make big improvements, and I'm not talking about just next year, but going forward."