Source: Official Team Post via X
Haas Boss Dismisses €6 Million Oliver Bearman Salary Rumor as 'Nonsense'
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has shut down rumors about Oliver Bearman demanding a hefty salary, which allegedly led to delays in contract talks. Komatsu insists both parties intend to continue their collaboration.
Oliver Bearman's contract discussions with Haas have recently been clouded by rumors suggesting he's demanding a €6 million salary, a claim Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has emphatically denied. While the team has confirmed Rafael Camara for the 2027 season, Bearman's partnership with the Brazilian driver remains unconfirmed.
Despite Esteban Ocon's impending departure from Haas, Bearman was widely expected to stay on, having expressed his desire to extend his stint with the team. Komatsu has confirmed that Haas shares this sentiment, but negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion.
"I can't delve into the details of what’s causing the delay," Komatsu acknowledged. "But it's clear both Ollie and Haas, along with Toyota Gazoo Racing, are keen to continue working together. We have a strong relationship, enjoy our collaboration, and are committed to growing together."
The rumor mill suggested Bearman was holding out for a major pay increase, but Komatsu has dismissed this as "absolute nonsense." He remarked, "I have no idea where that came from. It’s amazing how stories like these become widespread without any factual basis."
Komatsu further compared this rumor to previous fabrications, like the supposed argument with Esteban Ocon in Miami, categorically stating, "There’s zero truth to it. These stories are invented without any insider knowledge."
He lamented the current media environment where such unfounded stories gain traction, noting, "People don’t check the source. They’re after clicks and likes, and before you know it, a fabricated story is being treated as fact. It’s absolute nonsense."