For the first time in its existence, Haas F1 will not need a cash injection from its owner and founder, Gene Haas, to have the money to operate. Ayao Komatsu, the director, confirmed this, although it was already known that the team would be at the budget ceiling for the first time in 2025, on the occasion of its tenth season.
“This year is the first time that as a company Gene has not had to invest his own money” Komatsu said. “We weren't at the budget cap, we're at it this year. So we have another challenge to face, which is to make sure we stay within budget.”
“It's great that we're finally here, but in terms of mindset it's the same – like with track engineering, we really had to change the mindset of everything the world, what is acceptable and what we should strive to achieve. The same goes for the budget.”
“Before, if we were below the budget cap, if we had money, we could spend it without worrying about it. Now we have to make sure that we don't go over the budget cap. So it's a state completely different in spirit, but if you want to be competitive, that's at least what you have to do.”
“Finally, we feel like we're checking a few boxes: start doing PTC, stay within the budget cap, and be profitable. With last year's prize money, sponsor money, etc., this year , Gene shouldn't have to invest money. This is the first time.”
-Haas is at the budget cap despite operating to buy as many parts as possible from Ferrari, and Komatsu knows this reflects another spending problem: “Maranello and also external manufacturing, etc. But we made progress last year. We are making progress again this year, so we have to be more efficient.”
“All these theoretical values (are fixed). But for now, let's say in the foreseeable future – when I say foreseeable future, it is at least for the next few years – even with the deficient theoretical value, with the capacities and the resources we have, that’s the best way to do it.”
“It is far better to pay that extra money deducted from the budget cap limit and buy components from Ferrari. I don't think this aspect of the model is a problem, while there is another part of the business that is inefficient, both in terms of time and cost. So we are looking into this issue.”
