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FORMULA 1
SAM BLOXHAM / LAT IMAGES / HAAS F1 MEDIA
The recent announcement of Haas F1’s partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing was seen by many as the harbinger of the Japanese factory’s big return to Formula 1. But Ayao Komatsu insists it is not in Gene Haas’ plans to sell his team, to anyone .
About 20 days ago Haas F1 and Toyota announced the signing of their technical cooperation, which includes the exchange of know-how and infrastructure between the two sides. But many in Formula 1 suspect this is a first step on Toyota’s part in its official factory return to the sport, following its tumultuous 2009 exit.
Haas F1 has neither the infrastructure nor the capital to compete with the sports and automotive behemoths, so it’s easy to conclude that its survival may one day depend solely on selling to one of the behemoths. And Toyota is the largest car manufacturer on the planet.
Gene Haas (right) with Nico Hulkenberg on the sidelines of the 2024 Mexican GP
SIMON GALLOWAY / LAT IMAGES / HAAS F1 MEDIA
Haas F1 director Ayao Komatsu, who negotiated the Toyota partnership directly with his Japanese compatriots, was asked directly by the press in Mexico if Toyota would have the first say should 71-year-old Gene Haas want to sell the team of.
“Gene is not selling the team”Komatsu said flatly. “He had so many offers, and he turned down every one of them. He always asks me ‘how can we do better?’ He’s not interested in selling the team, and that’s not something we’ve even discussed.”
Haas F1 director Ayao Komatsu
SIMON GALLOWAY / LAT IMAGES / HAAS F1 MEDIA
We remind you that Formula 1 has “locked” the 10 teams, which refuse the entry of more – as Andretti Racing found out in a bad way – in order not to divide the income of the teams from the commercial rights of the sport into more pieces.
Of course, if a behemoth like Toyota wants to enter the sport, or like the American General Motos with Cadillac, the terms of negotiations may change. But for now, the only gateway to F1 appears to be the purchase of an existing team.
In addition to the rumor about the sale of Haas F1, Komatsu noted that the cooperation of the American team with Toyota Gazoo Racing has a multi-year horizon. And it will significantly boost Haas F1, which this year has made a huge leap to claim 6th place in the constructors’ championship – from its last position in 2023.
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