Haas Formula 1 boss Ayao Komatsu says that the new collaboration with Toyota is a “perfect combination” that will help the team to move up the grid in the coming years.
Haas has signed a technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing that starts immediately, with TGR logos to be seen on the car at the upcoming US GP.
While few details have been given on what the new deal involves as an initial step Toyota will help Haas to install a simulator at its Banbury base.
It will also provide the resources for a TPC programme that will see the 2023 car next season used for private testing, allowing Toyota to give its young drivers some F1 mileage.
Both parties insist that there are no plans for Toyota to eventually develop its own power unit.
“We are the smallest team on the grid and we’re lacking certain resources and hardware capability to understand certain things,” said Komatsu.
“And then in terms of being more competitive in the midfield, we are looking for somebody who can give us more resources, that horsepower, and also have the hardware and the know-how to use that hardware.
“And Toyota Gazoo Racing gives exactly that. They have a great facility in Cologne, so we will be able to utilise that also.
“F1 is a high technology sport, but really what matters is people, personnel. So we both would like to educate, trying develop our personnel in a F1 environment to be a mutual benefit to each other.
“So lots of let’s say objectives that are coherent in each other’s organisations. So that’s why that was the key in deciding to go for this technical partnership.”
Regarding the first steps he said: “We’ll be able to kick off some activities such as simulator and TPC with this collaboration.
“And then our, let’s say, for our mutual benefit, they are looking for, let’s say latest know-how or skill set, which we have. But we don’t have their facilities, we don’t have the number of people, their resource.
“So that’s how we are tapping into each other’s expertise, and then learning in the areas that we are weak relative to each other. So it’s really sort of like perfect combination to have the mutual benefit.”
Komatsu insists that the new arrangement has no impact on the existing Haas deal with Ferrari, which currently extends to 2028.
He also kept Fred Vasseur fully informed about the discussions with Toyota.
“Our partnership with Toyota, just to be clear, it’s not to replace the Ferrari partnership,” he said.
“The Ferrari/Haas partnership is the foundation, and it’s always going to be the foundation, and this partnership is not to take away from it, but actually enhance the fundamental partnership with Ferrari.
“What we have with Ferrari, what we get from Ferrari, is amazing. That’s really the foundation of Haas F1 team. But the areas Toyota TGR can help us are outside of that.
“Again, we’ve been completely transparent with Ferrari management, of course, from the early stage of this discussion.
“So we both have a clear understanding of what engagement we have in which area with TGR, how we need to protect the IPs over the each company. So that’s how we are planning to do it.”
He confirmed that Haas will still work in the Ferrari wind tunnel, and that design work will continue to be based in Italy.
“Of course, we need the Maranello design office, because nothing changes the fact that we are going to be buying a gearbox and suspension from Ferrari,” he said.
“So to that extent, it makes sense to have our DO in Maranello. We’ll continue to use the Ferrari wind tunnel, so our aerodynamicists will continue to be based there.
“But for instance, we will start designing some other carbon composite parts by ourselves, and then also starting some testing, and then simulator work, some other areas that contribute to the performance of the car.
“Where we house them exactly, whether it’s in Maranello or the UK, is something we need to define in the future. But again, I just like to stress that it’s not to replace what we have with Ferrari.”
Regarding chassis manufacturer Dallara Komatsu added: “Dallara is our important partner. They’ve been with us from day one. As you know, they’ve been building our chassis from day one. So that’s another key, important relationship.
“And then again in due course we’ll be discussing which parameters will keep working with Dallara, which parameters we’re going to work with Toyota, but we will co-exist. It’s not to replace one another.”
