Ayao Komatsu Warns Proposed 2026 Rule Change Could Spell Doom for Small F1 Teams Like Haas
Ayao Komatsu Warns Proposed 2026 Rule Change Could Spell Doom for Small F1 Teams Like Haas
The Formula 1 paddock is heating up over a potential rule change for the 2026 season, and Haas boss Ayao Komatsu isn’t holding back. A proposed regulation that would require teams finishing fifth or higher in the Constructors’ standings to produce all components in-house could, according to Komatsu,...
If the rule passes, any team finishing fifth or higher would need to develop all components themselves with a three-year lead time, a task Komatsu argues would be impossible for smaller teams.
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The proposed rule in question:
A proposed regulation that would require teams finishing fifth or higher in the Constructors’ standings to produce all components in-house
Is the complete proposal available to us anywhere?
Because this article isn't clear about if the proposal means the top 5 teams will have to produce their own power units themselves as well.Eh from what I understand it's everything but the power unit. So suspension, gearbox etc that now one customer team could buy from someone (and they usually do since the rear end of the car is highly integrated)
Huh, I wonder why they would propose that rule.
I’d place a large bet on it being Aston Martin, Alpine and Audi/Sauber proposing it. It’s a massive advantage to them over RB and Haas because RB and Haas are beating them using parts bought from RBR and Ferrari respectively.
By proposing this rule those teams stand to benefit greatly from some of their largest competition being nerfed for performing too well.
Alpine will buy their suspension from Mercedes going forward. So definitely not in their interest. The others maybe, I could see that.
Technically yes, but they still have the staff to do it and could get them back. Of all teams they have comparatively little to lose from this.