Gene Haas 'not keen' on selling F1 team.
"To be honest, he has witnessed many changes."
Haas' discreet owner, Gene Haas, "isn't looking to sell" the Formula 1 team. This comes from the team's boss, Ayao Komatsu, amidst speculation regarding potential team sales within the Silverstone paddock. Some believe that one of Luca de Meo’s final actions as Renault CEO was to recruit Flavio Briatore to quickly resolve the challenges at Enstone in anticipation of a possible sale. At the British GP, rumors circulated that the former team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, has the support of American investors interested in purchasing the team.
However, according to Komatsu, Haas's situation is quite different, with strengthening ties to Toyota and a fully motivated owner, Gene Haas, who is 72 years old. "To be honest, he’s witnessed numerous changes," Komatsu shared with Sport1. "He is incredibly dedicated now and understands the intricacies involved."
"How can I best convey this?" the Japanese continued. "He has always been very passionate about the sport and its outcomes. He continuously encourages us to improve, which is exactly what we want from an owner. He has always been supportive of us."
Haas faced a tough period at the conclusion of the 2023 season, finishing last in the championship and prompting Gene Haas to dismiss long-time team principal Gunther Steiner. During this time, rumors about a possible team sale were prevalent.
"I don't have all the details," said Komatsu, who was a senior team engineer in 2023, "but over the last 18 months, he has received multiple offers to buy the team. He’s not interested. He genuinely enjoys owning a Formula 1 team—currently one of ten, and next year one of eleven. It’s a highly privileged position."
Nonetheless, he acknowledges that occasional offers still come in. "I can tell you that I’ve had some individuals lately who have been quite persistent about buying it, but Gene is not interested," said Komatsu. "He’s even somewhat irritated by how often these inquiries occur."
Other articles
Charles Leclerc: We are confident in our race pace.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton recorded the second and third times in the second practice session of the British Grand Prix. Both Ferrari drivers said they are satisfied with the car's speed at Silverstone, although there is potential to improve on the fast lap.
Red Bull should refrain from signing Vettel to take Marko's place.
Formula 1 | A legendary figure in German motorsport has urged Red Bull to reconsider their choice of a successor for Dr. Helmut Marko. At the age of 82, Marko is facing (…)
Bottas acknowledges discussions with Alpine and Cadillac.
Formula 1 | Valtteri Bottas has stated that discussions have occurred between both Cadillac and Alpine. The driver, who has won 10 grand prix races, remains in the paddock (…)
F3: Tasanapol Intrafuvasak won the Saturday sprint
Thai driver Thanasanapol Intarevasak finished first in Saturday's Formula 3 sprint, earning his first career victory.
Russell: It's unfortunate that the W16's performance depends on the weather.
George Russell finished the practice session a few places below Kimi Anttonelli in the lap times, but both Mercedes drivers noted that the weather at Silverstone was noticeably warmer than forecasted, which affected the car's behavior.
Aaron: Every kilometer behind the wheel counts
During Friday's practice sessions for the British Grand Prix, the Sauber team worked with three drivers – Paul Arons was the first to hit the track, making his Formula 1 debut in an official session. In the second session, the Estonian driver was replaced by Nico Hülkenberg.
Gene Haas 'not keen' on selling F1 team.
Formula 1 | Gene Haas, the discreet owner of Haas, has no intention of selling the Formula 1 team. This information comes from Ayao, the leader of the small American organization.