‘We’re not in any rush’ – Komatsu gives update on Haas' driver plans for 2027

Ayao Komatsu has declared that Haas aren’t “in any rush” to settle on their future driver line-up, with the Team Principal eager to concentrate more on supporting Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon in performing at their best.

It’s been a frustrating season for Haas as their strong start to the year, which featured Bearman’s P5 finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, quickly faltered, leaving the team to tumble down the order as their midfield rivals out-developed them.

They’re now on a run of six rounds without any points and are facing additional questions about their plans for 2027. While neither seat has been confirmed, it’s understood that Bearman is more likely to remain with the squad than Ocon, with options like Rafael Camara and Yuki Tsunoda waiting for an opportunity.

However, Komatsu was reluctant to give a definitive answer ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, where Haas ultimately suffered a double DNF. Before the race, he explained: “We’re not in any rush. We’re focused on our two drivers, Ollie and Esteban, trying to get the best out of them. They’ve got the tough challenge, right?

“You know what they’re capable of. You know, Ollie has shown it repeatedly. Esteban, when he is happy with the car, you know what he can do.

“So we need to really just focus on providing them with the best possible car, best set-up adaptation, and get the best out of them. And then both of our drivers are fully focused.”

Although Bearman has scored 18 points to Ocon’s three, he recently admitted that the standings aren’t a true reflection of their competition, referencing apparent “inconsistency” between the parts on their cars.

Komatsu conceded that they’ve struggled to adapt to the new regulations and the speed with which teams around them have delivered effective upgrades – compared to 2025, Haas have fallen significantly further behind the likes of Racing Bulls and Alpine.

“This is the biggest regulation change ever,” the team boss explained. “So us being the smallest team, we expect that we’re going to really be struggling to keep up with the other big boys in the development race.

“We started the season extremely well, much better than anyone can think of, and then from that moment I think that’s the reality. With our constraints, we’re trying to develop the car as fast as possible, but the other guys are putting performance on the car faster than us. That’s the reality.

“Then, to be fair, honestly, it’s nothing against the guys in the team – they’re doing a fantastic job, they’re working together, and then for us to have a chance to keep up with the other guys, everything has to be perfect, right? Everything. In life, that’s not something you can ask for all the time.

“I really do think I need to provide them with a better environment, facilitate it, so that they can show what they’re capable of. I’m sure of that. But the good thing is those tough times show the character, right? And then there’s no blame culture.

“We looked at the problem: what’s the issue, where are we lacking downforce, why the drivability is not great, what are the drivers struggling with? We’re all on the same page, trying to fix the issue, trying to put performance on the car. But of course, again, that takes time.

“Lots of things we’re putting in place will take time for it to materialise, but we’ve just got to believe in ourselves, the teamwork, support each other, and we’ll get through it like we did the last two years.”