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Haas to Operate at Formula 1 Cost Cap for First Time in 2025: A New Era for the Team

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 25, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Haas F1 Rejects Sale Rumors due to New Toyota Partnership, Stays Committed to Ferrari Engines

Formula One F1 - Mexico City Grand Prix - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico - October 26, 2024 Haas' Nico Hulkenberg during qualifying REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

For the first time in its history, Haas Formula 1 Team will compete at the sport’s $135 million budget cap, marking a significant milestone for the American outfit. The move is a direct result of increased revenue from sponsorships and the team’s seventh-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship—its best result since 2018.

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu, who took over from Guenther Steiner in 2024, sees the development as a turning point. However, he has also cautioned that operating at the cost cap introduces a new layer of challenges for the team, especially as they adapt to tighter financial oversight.


From Underdogs to Cost Cap Contenders

Haas has long been an outlier in F1, operating on one of the smallest budgets on the grid. Unlike its competitors, team owner Gene Haas has personally funded much of the operation since its inception in 2016.

But thanks to a combination of sponsor influx and improved on-track performance, Haas no longer requires Haas’ direct financial support to run its operations.

“This year is the first time that as a company, Gene doesn’t have to put his own money in,” Komatsu revealed.
“It’s great that we finally got here, but now we have the challenge of making sure we stay within the budget cap.”

Previously, the team could spend freely when under budget, but adhering to the cap requires a shift in mindset.

“If you want to be competitive, that’s the minimum where you should be,” Komatsu emphasized.


Efficient Operations and Strategic Partnerships

Haas has made a name for itself by adopting a lean operational model, relying on Ferrari for key components and outsourcing manufacturing. This approach, Komatsu argued, has allowed the team to punch above its weight.

“This approach helps the team remain competitive despite its limited in-house resources. We are making more improvements this year, so we’ve got to be more efficient.”

The team’s technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, announced in September 2024, adds another dimension to Haas’ growing infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to complement the team’s existing relationship with Ferrari, providing additional expertise and resources.


Komatsu’s Leadership: A New Direction

Komatsu’s promotion to the top role in 2024 came after internal disagreements about the team’s direction under Guenther Steiner. The decision to replace Steiner was controversial, but Komatsu’s tenure has already delivered tangible results, including consistent points finishes and a stronger midfield presence.

In 2024, Haas narrowly missed out on a top-six finish, with Alpine edging them late in the season. Nonetheless, the team’s progress was evident, powered by the experience of drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.


What’s Next for Haas?

With a smaller workforce—less than half the size of some rivals—Haas continues to face significant challenges. However, reaching the cost cap symbolizes its growing competitiveness and ambition.

The team now aims to build on its momentum, with Komatsu acknowledging that balancing efficiency with performance will be critical:

“With the capabilities and resources we’ve got, this is the best way to go.”

As the 2025 season looms, Haas is well-positioned to capitalize on its lean, efficient model while staying within F1’s financial regulations. The question remains: can Haas take the next step and firmly establish itself as a consistent top-six team?

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