The announcement of a multi-year technical collaboration between Haas and Toyota took the F1 world by surprise. This unexpected announcement could be a game-changer for Haas, both from a performance and commercial perspective. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the US team can be excited about their trajectory.
Toyota agreement strengthens Haas technical team and increases manpower
Since becoming Haas team principal, Ayao Komatsu has made a series of big decisions. Even before the season began, his decision to focus exclusively on tyre management in testing (to remove Haas’ biggest limitation from 2023) was crucial in ensuring the VF-24’s race pace was sufficient for points.
Throughout the course of 2024, the Japanese team boss has identified several points of weakness to address.
Arguably the most pressing was issue the relative lack of resources at the team. Komatsu explained at the beginning of the year that increasing the number of personnel at Haas was a top priority.
Until now, the US squad have employed fewer staff than any other F1 team – and by some margin. Alongside their limited infrastructure and design facilities, this was a major limitation.
However, the news of Haas’ partnership with Toyota changes the playing field. Komatsu’s personnel will benefit from the significant resources at Toyota’s disposal – in terms of design, engineering and other technical insights.
Haas start to bridge the gap to rival teams
More broadly, the involvement of Toyota employees will substantially increase the number of personnel working on Haas’ F1 project. This will go a long way in reducing and potentially overcoming the American outfit’s deficit in resources compared to other teams.
In addition to this, reaching a deal with such a big name in the car industry can be expected to bring commercial benefits. Aside from the arrival of Toyota itself as a partner, the Japanese brand’s presence will almost certainly help attract other sponsors.
In fairness to Komatsu’s team, their improved results have already seen a steady rise in commercial agreements. With that said, adding such a well-known brand to the mix can only be a positive.
Approaching things from a more long-term perspective, this move also gives Haas far greater potential. To be clear, they will continue to work closely with Ferrari.
Ayao Komatsu has explained that reaching a deal with Toyota was only possible if it did not interfere with the team’s Haas partnership. For obvious reasons, Ferrari remain an essential partner.
Still, Toyota’s presence inevitably gives the US team more firepower than it had at its disposal previously. As time passes, the Japanese brand’s relationship with Haas could evolve and even strengthen – possibly unlocking new possibilities.
Of course, Haas know better than to get ahead of themselves. Most teams across the grid have invested significantly in improving their facilities and securing partnerships with big manufacturers.
In many ways, Komatsu’s team still lack the resources to fight near the front. However, strong foundations are being laid for progress in the future.
Having spent so long punching above their weight in F1, Haas will have a lot more to work with moving forward.
