Gene Haas ‘annoyed’ by persistent offers to buy F1 team

Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that team owner Gene Haas remains fully committed to his Formula 1 venture – and has no interest in selling, despite offers regularly sent his way.

Amid Haas’ promising 2025 season, having already collected 29 points in this year’s campaign with its new driver pairing of Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman, Komatsu says its American owner is more engaged than ever and relishing his role in the sport.

Haas’ upward trajectory is further underscored by the team reaching the F1 cost cap for the first time in its history, reflecting enhanced financial and operational stability. The team’s partnerships with Ferrari and Toyota Gazoo Racing have also bolstered its competitive edge.

The squad underwent a major leadership transition before the 2024 season, with long-time team principal Guenther Steiner departing after his contract was not renewed.

Komatsu, who had served as the team’s trackside engineering director since its inception in 2016, stepped into the role and has since guided Haas through a period of renewal.

A Renewed Passion

Speaking to reporters at the recent British Grand Prix, Komatsu shed light on Gene Haas’ steadfast commitment to the team. And he noted a marked change in the owner’s demeanor, particularly during a visit to the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year.

“This year when he came to Miami, I could see that he actually enjoyed just being there,” Komatsu said.

“He always asks lots of technical questions because he’s interested, but that hasn’t changed. On top of that, he was just enjoying the occasion.”

Komatsu highlighted Haas’ growing enthusiasm for the sport, which has extended beyond the racetrack.

“I thought, ‘wow, I’m going to ask him if he wants to drive in Goodwood’. He didn’t know much about Goodwood, but now he’s driving, he read about it, and he’s really excited for him to again experience things like that,” he added.

This newfound engagement has translated into a firm stance against selling the team, despite multiple offers in recent months.

“I don’t know everything, but in the last 18 months he’s had numerous offers to buy the team,” Komatsu said. “He’s not interested.

“He really enjoys being the owner of the F1 team. Currently one out of 10, from next year one out of 11. That’s such a privileged position to be in.”

“He came in at a time when F1 wasn’t like this. He stuck with us during such a difficult period of COVID. Now he’s enjoying it.

“He’s so engaged now. He understands the details as well. What’s the best way to put it? He’s always been very passionate about the sport and the result.

“He always wants us to improve, which is what we need from the owner. He was always behind us. I’m grateful that we have such a passionate owner, so committed.”

“Annoyed” by Persistent Offers

Despite his obvious enjoyment, the stream of unsolicited interest in the team hasn’t gone unnoticed – or unchallenged.

• Read also: Gene Haas survives milestone run up the hill at Goodwood

“He’s not interested in selling at all,” Komatsu reiterated. “I can tell you recently I had some people really pushing to buy it – not interested. He even got annoyed that these guys are asking so many times.”

With steady progress on track, a more stable technical structure, and fresh commercial partnerships including an expanded collaboration with Toyota, Haas F1 appears to be entering a new phase – one its owner has no intention of handing over.

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