Haas’ new challenge in 2025

The year 2025 is already historic for Haas. For the first time, the American team, which entered Formula 1 in 2016, no longer relies on its owner’s money to operate. “This year, it’s the first time that as a business, Gene doesn’t have to put in his own money, so it’s great,” enthuses Ayao Komatsu, the team’s director. It’s a significant change for the team, which, after narrowly avoiding bankruptcy several times, is finally starting to reap the rewards of its efforts. And it’s already showing. Haas has made a significant stride since 2023. Last season, the team finished seventh in the constructors’ championship with 58 points, far from the 12 points of the previous year. “It feels like Haas has undergone a massive identity change,” confides Komatsu, illustrating the progress made in one year. But beware, that doesn’t mean Haas can rest on its laurels. The team has made significant progress, but 2025 brings its share of new challenges.

The budget challenge: no more spending it all

Haas no longer has the right to splurge like before. With a well-structured budget, every penny spent must be carefully considered. Komatsu does not hide the difficulty of this situation: Before, when we were under the budget cap, if we had money, we could spend it without worry. Now, we must ensure that we do not exceed the budget cap. A much more delicate task than simply filling the coffers. But it’s not an insurmountable obstacle. According to Komatsu, the team must simply change the mindset of all the staff. It’s the same as with track engineering, he explains. We really had to change everyone’s mindset about what is acceptable and what we should aim for. The team will now have to juggle profitability and competitiveness to stay in the race.

To boost its performance and catch up, Haas found a heavyweight ally at the end of 2024: Toyota. This technical partnership could well be the key to moving up a gear. Haas’s facilities are small, and they lack cutting-edge software like a racing simulator, admits Komatsu. No worries! To compensate for this lack, the team uses Ferrari’s simulator, but a partnership with Toyota, with its expertise and resources, could provide a valuable boost to the team. This will allow Haas to compete with the biggest teams, without having to struggle with too small facilities and a tight budget. With only 320 employees, which makes it the smallest team in the paddock, this kind of partnership is essential.

A new era with Ocon and Bearman

New drivers, new dynamic! Esteban Ocon joins Haas after leaving Alpine, and he will be accompanied by young Ollie Bearman. The latter, already tested in F1 in 2024 under Ferrari’s colors, will take off with Haas. Komatsu has big plans for this season: « We feel like we’re ticking several boxes – starting to test with old cars, respecting the budget cap, and being profitable ». The two drivers are not just here to make up the numbers; they will have to work together to take Haas to the next level.

So, ready to follow the journey of these new stars?