Komatsu engages with Toyota's chairman as their collaboration expands.

      "We talked about the steps we need to take in order to turn our vision into reality."

      Haas team leader Ayao Komatsu has shared that he recently had in-depth conversations with Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation and his fellow countryman, during a special Haas-Toyota event at Fuji Speedway. The occasion allowed Japanese drivers to test out the American team’s Formula 1 car as part of the new Toyota-supported Haas 'TPC' initiative. Although Toyota currently has no plans for a factory entry, engine supply, or team acquisition, this collaboration signifies a considerable development for Gene Haas’ Ferrari-powered team. Toyoda, who has long been a driving force behind Toyota Gazoo Racing, was in attendance at the event and engaged in a lengthy discussion with Komatsu, who succeeded Gunther Steiner last year.

      "I managed to speak with Akio for about an hour at the circuit, and we reaffirmed our vision for what we aim to accomplish through the partnership between Haas and Toyota, as well as what steps we need to take to make it happen," Komatsu told as-web.jp. "During the press conference on the first day, (Toyota Gazoo head) Masaya Kaji mentioned our desire to 'create a culture,' and that’s also something I aspire to do. I believe collaborating between Haas and Toyota will contribute to the development of a motorsport culture in Japan, and both Akio and I share this belief."

      Regarding Haas’ performance in the 2025 season thus far, Komatsu acknowledged that while progress has been made, the results have not been impressive. "The first half of the 2025 season has been filled with highs and lows, and although there have been many positive aspects, there were also numerous challenges," he admitted. "We made advancements by the seventh round, and an update at the twelfth round made the VF-25 significantly faster. I’m very pleased with how we handled and worked together throughout this sequence of events."

      However, he acknowledged that being in ninth place overall is "not where we should be." "In terms of car speed, I believe Haas is performing around fifth place, so we need to achieve results that reflect that capability, and I’m confident we can do this with this car."