Gene Haas has no intention of selling his Formula 1 team, despite persistent rumors that have surfaced again with Haas' new partnership with Toyota.
The American team, known for being the leanest operation on the grid, frequently attracts speculation about potential buyouts.
The latest rumor stems from Haas' new technical collaboration with Toyota, with some suggesting the deal could pave the way for the Japanese car giant's full return to F1.
But Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu was clear when asked in Mexico if Toyota had been given 'first refusal' should Gene Haas ever decide to sell.
"Gene's not selling the team," Komatsu stated, adding that the owner remains fully committed to improving the team's performance. "I believe he had so many offers, but he refused every single one of them," Komatsu explained. "He's always asking me 'how can we go better?' He's not interested in selling."
Regarding the idea of Toyota buying the team in the future, Komatsu shut down the notion completely: "We haven't even spoken about a first refusal or anything like that. That's not been a topic."
However, Komatsu did confirm that the Haas-Toyota partnership is set to be a "very long term" collaboration.
As Haas gears up for a driver change with Esteban Ocon replacing Kevin Magnussen next year, Magnussen is still focused on helping the team achieve a strong finish in 2024. His current motivation lies in ensuring Haas maintains its sixth position in the constructors' championship.
"In reality, the constructors' championship has been the biggest motivating factor in recent years," said Magnussen. "As a driver, you have to find something you can focus on and find your fire from."
The 32-year-old Dane is realistic about the team's ambitions but proud of their progress. "It's not like my biggest dream is to finish sixth in the constructors' championship. But that's where we are," he said. "We are underdogs – clearly the smallest team on the grid. We're up against some pretty big organizations. So sixth place is the goal."
He also highlighted the team's significant improvement: "From last place in 2023 to fighting for sixth place this year is a very big step forward."
