“it would destroy small teams”, furious Haas boss

Haas main team since January 2024 Ayao Komatsu is succeeding. However, the Japanese leader is extremely worried about the future of small teams in F1.

Since replacing Gunther Steiner, Ayao Komatsu has radically changed Haas. The American team is in 7th place in the manufacturers' standings for the 2024 F1 season. The fight for 6th place is also one of the last challenges at the end of the year.

Despite some nice achievements from Kevin Magnussen and Niko Hülkenberg, respectively 15th and 10th in the F1 standings, the future is far from bright for Haas. Ayao Komatsu is extremely worried about the fate reserved for small stables.

Ayao Komatsu opposes proposed rule for 2026 F1 season

Despite Esteban Ocon's promise as team leader, Haas has every reason to worry. It must be said that Formula 1 has planned a new rule which could particularly upset teams using transferable components.

As a reminder, Haas uses a Ferrari V6 turbo hybrid engine. According to the rule proposed by Formula 1, all teams finishing 5th or higher in the manufacturers' standings will have to manufacture all their components within 3 years.

An aberration for Komatsu. “It would kill small teams!” the Haas boss raged in the columns of Motorsport. “If F1 wants as many teams as possible to be competitive, it must reject this rule” continued the Japanese leader.

The Haas director finally concluded by recalling how F1 had to remain interesting in the eyes of the general public. “What better thing could happen to sport than David defeating Goliath?”. It remains to be seen whether Formula 1 will be of the same opinion.