Speculation regarding American team owner Gene Haas’s long-term commitment to Formula 1 continues, despite recent developments indicating a strengthened operational structure. Former Team Principal Guenther Steiner suggested Haas may have lost interest in the sport following their split in January 2024.
However, current Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has stated that Gene Haas remains willing to invest in the team, provided such investment is utilised responsibly. Komatsu emphasised that Haas’s message from his appointment was clear: he possessed the capital and was prepared to deploy it effectively.
The departure of Steiner in early 2024 stemmed from a fundamental disagreement with Gene Haas over the team’s strategic direction and necessary investment levels. Haas reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly its last-place finish in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship.
Reports indicate Steiner sought a stake in the team after securing a significant $20 million sponsorship deal. Gene Haas’s refusal to grant this equity reportedly led to Steiner’s decision to leave the organisation.
For the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the team has officially rebranded as TGR Haas F1 Team, marking a significant deepening of its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. This collaboration sees Toyota become the new title sponsor, replacing MoneyGram.
The expanded technical alliance, initiated in October 2024, involves Toyota Gazoo Racing providing technical expertise, design insights, and manufacturing support. This includes wind tunnel access and the installation of an in-house driver-in-loop simulator at the team’s UK base.
Financially, Haas reached a significant milestone in 2025 by operating at the F1 budget cap limit for the first time in its history. This development means Gene Haas no longer needs to personally inject funds, a result of increased prize money from a seventh-place finish in 2024 and new sponsorship.
The TGR Haas F1 Team fields an unchanged driver lineup for the 2026 season, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman both in their second year with the outfit. The VF-26 car showed early promise in the season.
Oliver Bearman notably secured a fifth-place finish in China and scored points in the opening rounds, contributing significantly to the team’s initial fourth-place standing in the constructors’ championship.
However, the team’s performance has become inconsistent as the 2026 season progressed, struggling to maintain pace with rival development. By mid-August 2026, Haas had fallen to seventh in the constructors’ standings, with Bearman scoring the majority of the team’s 21 points.
Komatsu has also commented on the complexity of the 2026 F1 regulations, suggesting they make it challenging for fans to discern true driver skill. He believes adjustments are possible within the current framework.
