The major technical partnership signed at the end of the week between Haas and Toyota should allow the American team to accelerate its progress. A new situation which in no way changes the model adopted by the structure since its arrival in Formula 1 eight years ago, and which should in no way be perceived as the beginning of a re-engagement by the Japanese manufacturer.
Under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu, who succeeded Günther Steiner at the helm of the team last winter, Haas is now fighting for sixth place in the constructors’ championship, returning to a level it no longer had. known since the best season in its history, in 2018. A new page will open next year with a complete renewal of the driver duo: Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will succeed Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
Fairly early in the season, Esteban Ocon sought to leave Alpine to join a new project. However, if he was aware of the long-term vision of his future team, the Frenchman knew nothing of the upcoming partnership with Toyota when he signed up. A point that Ayao Komatsu wanted to put into perspective while the scale of the agreement has sometimes been exaggeratedly commented on in recent hours.
“I told him that we had a development plan to progress the team and make it evolve reasonably”specifies the Japanese director of the team. “But at the time when I was trying to close the contract with Esteban, which was around the Austrian Grand Prix [fin juin]it was too early for me to guarantee anything. I didn’t want to talk to Esteban about something I couldn’t guarantee. I couldn’t let him sign based on that understanding and then tell him three months later that I was sorry because it wasn’t going to happen.”
“He made the decision to come, he signed knowing that there was a vision to move this team forward. And without being specific about this technical partnership [avec Toyota]I told him how we intended to develop the team, and he was very much on the same page with all that.”
A possible Toyota reservist
Ayao Komatsu and Akio Toyoda during the partnership announcement.
Photo de: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
While Toyota will bring its technical and technological skills, for example at simulator level or carbon fiber work, its staff will gain valuable Formula 1 experience from working with Haas. An exchange which will concern many positions, notably engineers, technicians and mechanics, but which could extend to pilots.
Thus, the prospect of Haas having a Toyota reserve driver and no longer Ferrari cannot be ruled out for the future. “It’s clearly an open possibility.”convient Ayao Komatsu.
“For the moment, regarding next year’s reservist, I have not spoken with Fred [Vasseur, directeur de Ferrari]so we should put all the considered pilots on the table and openly discuss what the best option is.”he adds. “But once again, let’s be clear: we are not talking about paying drivers. Whether it’s a Toyota driver or not, we will always take the best from a sporting point of view.”
Comments collected by Alex Kalinauckas
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