Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has revealed Toyota’s increased presence could see the Japanese marque influence the team’s Formula 1 driver line-up from 2027.
Haas announced a technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing in mid 2024, as F1’s smallest team looked to build the foundations of a move up the competitive order.
The current agreement is based on personnel training, but this will transform from 2026 as Toyota Gazoo Racing will become the title sponsor for the American team.
With rumours abound that Toyota Gazoo Racing is seeking to take over Haas, Komatusu has been forced to clarify Haas’ position multiple times during the year.
One area that Toyota could start to influence in the coming years is drivers, as the manufacturer seeks to bring its junior drivers to the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Yeah, of course,” he told media including Motorsport Week when asked about the possibility.
“Their goal – one of many goals they have, is to, like we said with developing people, one of them is drivers.”
Haas has one demand of potential Toyota backed drivers
Komatsu revealed that in order for a Toyota-backed driver to be considered for an F1 drive, they must prove that they can bring instant performance to the team.
“But [the] main thing is, performance is first,” he admitted.
“Anybody who gets in our race car, it has to be the best choice in terms of performance.
“We all agree on that one, even from Akio-san [Akio Toyoda, Toyota chairman], even though he wanted, let’s say, a Japanese driver from his academy, it becomes a joke if we’re putting that driver when he’s not good enough.
“Then people will say, ‘Oh, Toyota’s just buying a seat with money.’
“That’s not what Akio-san is doing. That’s not what we’re doing. We always pick drivers who will deliver performance.”
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