Haas boss Ayao Komatsu is directly opposed to a potential rule change for the 2026 Formula 1 season that could be a “killer” to small teams.
As reported by Auto Motor und Sport, there is a consideration to introduce a new rule in 2026 that affects which teams can employ the use of transferable components.
Haas is well documented as a team using as many supplied components as possible from Ferrari as the regulations permit, including but not limited to the power unit, gearbox and rear suspension.
If voted in by a majority of the teams, a rule in 2026 would force any team finishing fifth or higher in the Constructors’ standings to make all of their components with a three-year lead time.
“It would be a killer for the small teams,” said Komatsu.
“If Formula 1 wants as many teams as possible to be competitive, then it will reject this rule.
“What better thing could happen to the sport than David winning against Goliath?
“What fan cares whether the gearbox or the suspension comes from Ferrari or from us?
“We are credited with a nominal equivalent value for the components we buy in in the budget cap. It is so high that we have no advantage.”
Why will this F1 rule impact Haas the most?
Haas is the smallest team on the grid by a considerable margin and among the weakest funded.
A recent technical alliance with Toyota was born out of necessity to flesh out a simulator and testing of previous car programme which it simply didn’t have the staff or means to carry out on its own.
If it was forced to craft its entire F1 car in-house, the entire Haas business model would be put in jeopardy.
Moreover, without its third-party influences, Haas wouldn’t have been able to even make it to F1 in 2016.
Still, rival teams are growing concerned due to Haas’ improved performance, with the American outfit now a bonafide midfield threat fighting for sixth in the Constructors’ standings.
In addition, RB is drawing concerns due to its increased reliance on sister team Red Bull.
This two-outfit ownership structure by Red Bull has drawn repeated criticism from McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“I believe it’s a serious issue for the fairness of the sport, for the fans,” Brown said ahead of the 2024 season commencing.
“That’s why it’s pretty much not allowed in any other form of major sport.
“It might give someone an unfair advantage, and I think that’s something we need to tackle with the sport quickly.”
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