The TGR Haas F1 Team is making genuine progress in its search for new sponsorship ahead of 2027, according to Team Principal Ayao Komatsu.
Haas remains the smallest team on the Formula 1 grid, employing just over 400 people, and has consistently operated below the cost cap, although the American-owned team is looking to push its budget closer the limit for next year.
The team currently holds a title partnership with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm, which replaced MoneyGram at the start of this season, but is actively looking to expand its wider sponsorship portfolio beyond that deal.
Speaking to reporters in Madrid, Komatsu described the current round of sponsor conversations as encouraging, tying the progress directly to the team’s ability to grow.
“We’re talking to so many prospects, it’s getting there. I’d say very positive about next year’s budget. It just helps massively,” he said.
He was equally clear that the improved commercial picture will not be allowed to influence driver selection for 2027, however close the on-track performance gap between candidates might be.
Imagine taking somebody half a second off, but extra money. That’s not going to be very motivating.
Ayao Komatsu
“If it’s within a tenth, for instance, very, very close, then affiliation package does come into play for sure,” he said.
“I don’t think (that will be the scenario). I think we can choose by performance, we haven’t finished the whole programme yet.
“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?
“I’ve always said we take drivers by performance. That’s what we’re doing.”
Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, Rafael Camara and Jack Doohan have all conducted testing in previous Haas cars as the team evaluates potential future drivers, alongside current incumbents Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
Komatsu also addressed recent speculation linking the team to BWT, currently Alpine’s title sponsor, which is set to leave the French team once its new Gucci title partnership begins in 2027.
“We’re not going to have pink cars, if that’s what you are saying,” he replied, referring to the BWT colour scheme.
