Haas optimistic about approaching the 2027 F1 budget cap through discussions with new partners.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu of Haas has indicated that the organization is making "positive" strides in its pursuit of new sponsorship, as the American Formula 1 team aims to push its annual budget closer to the cap.

As the smallest team in F1, Haas employs just over 400 individuals and has consistently operated well below the budget cap during both of its iterations. While the team currently holds a title sponsorship agreement with Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, which replaced the money transfer firm MoneyGram this year, it is actively seeking to expand its sponsorship portfolio.

Speculation has emerged suggesting that the team is in discussions with BWT, the current title sponsor of Alpine, which will transition to Haas next year as Alpine prepares for a new title partnership with fashion label Gucci set for 2027. This is not the first time Haas has been associated with BWT; the Austrian company was previously considered a potential option after ending its contract with Aston Martin at the end of 2021, before deciding to partner with Alpine for more pink branding space.

Earlier this year, Komatsu shared with Sky Sports that a restricted budget was hindering the team's ability to increase its workforce and enhance its tooling and infrastructure, emphasizing that his responsibility was to generate additional revenue by attracting new partners.

During the Madring weekend, Komatsu provided an update, mentioning that the team was in discussions with several potential partners to help bring their budget closer to the $215 million cap.

"We're engaging with numerous prospects; progress is being made. I'd say I'm very optimistic about next year's budget," Komatsu remarked.

"It makes a significant difference. However, I believe that gradually we are getting our narrative out and connecting with exceptional individuals. So, overall, things are looking good."

When questioned about the BWT speculation, Komatsu responded, "we're not going to have pink cars, if that's what you're implying!"

He also noted that he wasn't considering future drivers to cover any financial gaps and that the team still had the opportunity to select its 2027 roster based on performance.

Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team

Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara have been testing in previous cars for Haas as the team evaluates potential future drivers; Komatsu estimated that there are five candidates in contention, likely including current driver Esteban Ocon (whose performance has notably improved recently) and Yuki Tsunoda.

When asked if any commercial considerations would factor into the decision, Komatsu stated that it would only become relevant if he had two drivers whose performances were nearly identical.

"If the difference is within a tenth, for example, extremely close, then the affiliation package certainly comes into play. I don't foresee that being the case. I believe we can select based on performance; our evaluation process is not yet complete.

"Our goal is to have two quick drivers because that’s the best way to advance the team. It doesn’t matter if they’re from Ferrari, Toyota, or McLaren.

"For instance, Fornaroli is a McLaren driver, right? But honestly, it doesn’t matter. The fastest individual is what’s best for the team.

"Once again, for everyone involved, 400 people working here need to be assured that we've chosen the best drivers available so that these two drivers can maximize the car's potential. Imagine bringing someone on who is half a second slower but offers more funding. That wouldn't be particularly motivating.

"And also, a single position in the championship can represent substantial financial implications, correct? For us, as I’ve consistently stated, we choose drivers based on their performance. That remains our approach."