Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has firmly denied rumours that Oliver Bearman’s contract renewal delay is due to salary demands. As the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend approached, Komatsu described the speculation about Bearman requesting a €6 million salary as "absolute nonsense."
Komatsu emphasized that both Haas and Bearman are keen to continue their partnership beyond 2026, but the details behind the contract discussions remain private. He criticized media outlets for spreading unverified stories, highlighting that the situation is more complex than the salary rumours suggest.
The ongoing contract talks come amid Haas confirming Rafael Camara as a driver for the 2027 season, replacing Esteban Ocon. Should Bearman remain with the team, Haas would field two Ferrari junior drivers next year, as Ferrari continues its technical partnership with Haas. However, Komatsu made clear that despite this collaboration, Haas operates independently and Ferrari does not dictate driver line-ups, unlike the relationship between Red Bull Racing and its junior team, Red Bull B.
Rafael Camara earned his seat after impressing in testing and demonstrating strong performances in junior categories. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon’s departure from Haas has been confirmed, marking a clear shift in the team’s driver lineup for 2027.
Komatsu’s remarks underline the independence of Haas in its decision-making, despite the benefits of its technical partnership with Ferrari. The collaboration grants access to young talent but does not translate into direct control over driver contracts or team strategy.
At this stage, no further details have been disclosed regarding the reasons behind the contract delay with Bearman. The team principal’s rejection of salary-related rumours suggests that the situation involves more nuanced factors yet to be made public.
This clarification from Komatsu offers insight into the ongoing negotiations and the dynamics between Haas, its drivers, and Ferrari. It also highlights the challenges teams face in managing driver line-ups amid the pressures of the Formula 1® driver market and technical partnerships.