Haas F1 Team is growing increasingly confident about its financial prospects for the 2027 season. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that sponsorship negotiations are progressing positively and could bring the team's budget closer to Formula 1's $215 million cost cap.
The American outfit has long operated as the leanest team on the grid, employing just over 400 people. Since its debut in 2016, Haas has run well below the budget cap, which has hindered its ability to compete consistently in the midfield. However, with additional revenue from new partners, Haas hopes to boost its technical resources and strengthen its position.
"We're talking to so many prospects; it's getting there. I'd say very positive about next year's budget," Komatsu stated during the Madring weekend. His comments signal that Haas's efforts to expand its sponsorship portfolio are starting to bear fruit.
Earlier this year, Komatsu told Sky Sports that a lack of budget was preventing the team from increasing its headcount and improving its tooling and infrastructure. The Japanese engineer emphasised that his job was to attract more partners to help the team move forward.
Rumours have surfaced that Haas is in talks with BWT, the Austrian water company currently serving as Alpine's title sponsor. BWT is expected to switch to Haas in 2027 as Alpine prepares to partner with fashion house Gucci. Haas had previously been linked with BWT at the end of 2021 after the company ended its deal with Aston Martin, but BWT ultimately chose Alpine for greater pink livery exposure.
When asked about the BWT rumours, Komatsu responded with a light-hearted denial: "We're not going to have pink cars, if that's what you are saying!" This dismisses speculation that Haas would drastically change its visual identity.
Nevertheless, Komatsu stressed that the team would not sacrifice performance for commercial gain. Haas is currently evaluating several drivers for 2027, with Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara having conducted tests in previous cars. Komatsu estimated there are five candidates in the running, presumably including current driver Esteban Ocon, whose performances have improved of late, and Yuki Tsunoda.
Asked if commercial factors would influence driver selection, Komatsu was clear: "If it's within a tenth, for instance, very, very close, then affiliation package does come into play." In other words, Haas will prioritise speed as the main criterion, with sponsorship only tipping the scales if two candidates are nearly inseparable.
For Haas, increasing its budget is not just about prestige. By approaching the cost cap, the team can hire more engineers, enhance its wind tunnel facilities, and accelerate car development. This is crucial as F1 competition intensifies, especially with the new technical regulations in 2026 demanding significant investment.
If sponsorship talks succeed, Haas could transform its fortunes from backmarker to a more competitive force. However, Komatsu remains cautious, emphasising a gradual approach. "Slowly and surely we are getting our story out there and finding great people. So, yeah, it's good so far," he concluded.
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