Komatsu shrugs off 'B-team' talk as Haas's Ferrari ties draw scrutiny

Toyota, Ferrari or McLaren: each would bring different optics for Haas, team principal Ayao Komatsu says, but he insists he is not worried.

Komatsu made the remarks at a media briefing in Sepang, his first time facing the media since Ocon's departure at the end of 2026 was announced. He gave three examples: choosing Toyota driver Ryo Hirakawa could be portrayed as a decision made only because of Toyota; Ferrari junior Rafael Camara would prompt claims Haas had chosen another Ferrari driver; and a move for Leonardo Fornaroli could lead to talk of Haas becoming a McLaren 'B-team'. “Whatever we do, there are different optics,” Komatsu said.

Haas already fields Oliver Bearman, a Ferrari Driver Academy driver, uses Ferrari engines, gearboxes and other components, and has a design office in Maranello. RacingNews365 says Camara's signing has divided opinion within the industry; the outlet also describes a growing consensus in the paddock that many will view Haas as Ferrari's 'B-team' from 2027.

RacingNews365 also reported that Haas had finalised its choice of Ferrari-backed Camara to replace Ocon and partner Bearman in 2027, with a formal announcement expected the following week. That would give the team an all-Ferrari junior line-up.