Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has launched a scathing rebuttal against media reports suggesting that contract negotiations with Oliver Bearman are deadlocked over a £5 million annual salary demand. Speaking to the press in Mexico City ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix, the Japanese boss dismissed the allegations as pure fabrication, stating, “I have no idea where that comes from.” His sharp response aims to quell growing speculation that the 21-year-old British driver’s financial expectations are the primary obstacle preventing an immediate extension of his current deal.
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The controversy arises at a critical juncture for the American F1 team, which has already confirmed the signing of Ferrari junior Rafael Camara to replace Esteban Ocon for the 2027 season. While both Bearman and Komatsu have previously expressed mutual confidence that a long-term agreement will be finalized, the lack of official confirmation has fueled rumors about underlying friction. With Bearman’s current contract set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, the timing of these reports has intensified scrutiny on the team’s driver lineup planning and internal dynamics.
Komatsu’s forceful denial serves as a clear signal to the paddock that the team remains committed to retaining its promising junior talent without external interference in the negotiation process. By labeling the salary claims as “nonsense,” the Haas boss seeks to refocus attention on the team’s on-track performance during the Mexico City Grand Prix, where qualifying is scheduled for 9pm Saturday and the race for 8pm Sunday. This decisive move underscores the importance of maintaining stability within the driver line-up as Haas looks to solidify its competitive position for the latter half of the decade.
Source: Sky Sports
