Despite the seismic changes in Formula 1 regulations set to take effect in the coming year, the Haas team, led by team principal Ayao Komatsu, has categorically refused to abandon the development of its VF-25 model for the 2025 season.
Komatsu has made it clear that repeating the strategy employed by Haas in 2021 – when the team opted to focus solely on the 2022 first-gen ground effect car at the expense of developing their then-current model – is not on the table. This decision not to invest in the 2021 car was driven by limited financial resources and a lackluster performance the previous year, which saw the team garner a meager three points.
However, this bold move proved to be a silver lining for Haas, as it saw a dramatic turn in fortune in 2022. The team not only scored 37 points but also finished seventh, a significant improvement from the previous year when they finished last without scoring a single point.
Now, with significant revisions expected in power unit, chassis, and aerodynamic regulations, the question arises: will Haas replicate this strategy in the face of these impending changes? Komatsu’s answer is a resounding “no.”
The team’s context has substantially changed since 2021. Haas narrowly missed out on the coveted sixth spot in the Constructors’ standings in 2024, and Komatsu believes that even if they were a second behind at the Melbourne race in a fortnight, abandoning the VF-25’s development is not an option.
Komatsu’s stand against sacrificing the 2025 F1 development is not only influenced by their technical progress but also by their improved financial situation. The team’s financial strength has been bolstered by their title partnership with MoneyGram, and their recent technical alliance with Toyota further indicates their upward trajectory.
Moreover, Komatsu highlighted the financial implications of finishing last, stating, “If we finish last this year, obviously the amount of money we lose, that’s not acceptable.” He further mentioned that the team already has different scenarios plotted out based on their position in the season, a strategy the team owner concurs with.
While Haas has started developing its car for the 2026 season, given that wind tunnel time for 2026 development was allowed from the start of the new year, the primary focus remains on the VF-25.
Komatsu noted that quantifying the percentage of development time dedicated to the following year is challenging. However, he was clear that their priority is still the 2025 season. It appears that the Haas team’s efforts are dedicated to ensuring that they maintain their upward trend and avoid a repeat of the 2021 scenario.
This firm commitment to the current year’s development, despite looming regulatory changes, highlights Haas’s determination and resilience. Only time will tell if this approach will yield the desired results.
