Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu revealed the squad’s Formula 1 partnership with Ferrari won’t be torn up amid the technical alliance with Toyota.
Since it entered the sport in 2016, Haas has had a close bond with Ferrari, utilising its engines, gearboxes and the full complement of listed parts that the F1 regulations allow to be shared between teams.
Moreover, Haas’ aero department is based right next door to Ferrari at Maranello and uses the Italian marque’s wind tunnel.
Haas announced a new technical alliance with Toyota Gazoo Racing on Friday, but Komatsu revealed its relationship with Ferrari will continue.
“We will continue to use the Maranello wind tunnel,” Komatsu told media including Motorsport Week.
“As long as the technical regulations permit, I can buy the gearbox from Ferrari.
“Our partnership with Toyota, just to be clear, it not to replace the Ferrari partnership. The Ferrari/Haas partnership is the foundation, and it’s always going to be the foundation.
“This partnership [Toyota] is not to take away from it but actually enhance the fundamental partnership with Ferrari.
“What we get from Ferrari is really, really amazing. It’s the foundation for the Haas F1 team.
“But the areas that TGR can help us is outside of that.
“Again, we will be completely transparent with Ferrari management from the early stage of this discussion, so we both have an understanding of what engagement we have in which area with TGR and how we need to protect the IP of each company.”
Komatsu revealed that talks with Ferrari ahead of the Toyota announcement were “straightforward” and built on transparency.
The Haas Team Principal made it clear to Ferrari that Toyota was not to be seen as a “threat” to their pre-existing relationship.
Such is the importance of Ferrari to Haas’ operation, Komatsu said that he had discussed the Toyota deal with the Scuderia’s Team Principal Fred Vasseur “from the very early stages.”
Haas will juggle relationships between Ferrari, Toyota and Dallara
Haas extended its deal with Ferrari to continue using its engine, gearbox and listed parts through the 2028 season back in July.
With Toyota, Haas will leverage the Japanese brand’s technical expertise in aerodynamics, design and manufacturing.
Moreover, Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers will complement Haas’ F1 testing programme.
Another important part of the Haas makeup is chassis builder Dallara.
The Italian company has been with Haas since Day 1 and Komatsu reiterated that this partnership will continue.
“That’s another key important relationship,” Komatsu said.
“In due course, we will discuss what parameters we’ll keep working with Dallara, which parameters we’ll keep working with Toyota.
“But we will co-exist. It’s not a case of replacing one with another.”
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