Ex-Ferrari general manager urges F1 to investigate ‘alarming’ tactics one team is using to push rule boundaries. Peter Windsor feels rival teams should be pressuring the FIA to investigate Haas’ business model.

Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes, and Alpine are currently the only three full-fledged manufacturer teams in Formula 1, producing both their engines and chassis in-house. However, Alpine is set to lose that status, as they plan to shut down their F1 engine division at Viry, with Renault chief executive officer Luca de Meo negotiating a partnership to source engines from Mercedes starting in the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, when the series will introduce the new generation of single-seater.

Meanwhile, Cadillac has acquired Alpine’s engine IP as part of their bid to enter F1 with Andretti, aiming to prove their competitiveness to the existing teams. McLaren, leaders in the current constructors’ championship, have been Mercedes engine customers since 2021, following a difficult period with Honda and a short-lived partnership with Renault. Honda, having enjoyed success with Red Bull by securing three consecutive drivers’ titles, will switch alliances to Aston Martin in 2026.

Red Bull, under the guidance of Christian Horner, will build their own power units for the new 2026 regulations, in collaboration with Ford, and will also supply their junior team. Other teams, like Williams, remain loyal to Mercedes power, while Sauber will end their Ferrari relationship as they transition to the Audi works team.

Haas is in a distinct position. They will continue using Ferrari engines through 2028 but have recently unveiled a technical partnership with Toyota. This deal grants them access to Toyota’s resources and personnel, adding to their ongoing collaboration with Dallara, who have constructed Haas’ chassis since 2016.

Formula 1 journalist and ex-Ferrari team insider Peter Windsor raised concerns on his official YouTube account, calling for rival teams to pressure the FIA to investigate. The former Formula One team and sponsorship manager implied that Haas’ business model, particularly in light of the Toyota partnership, could be seen as undermining the intent of the current rules. The Formula 1 journalist explained: “It’s pretty scary. I’m pretty surprised that more of the other midfield teams around Haas aren’t complaining to the FIA about this.” – he added – “Here’s Haas, which are basically just a race team with a design office, using Toyota and Dallara for manufacturing, and Ferrari for power units and powertrains. So if I was Williams doing all this single-handedly if you like, I’d be saying ‘let’s get back to what we’re supposed to be doing in these regulations’. To me, Formula 1 needs to look at that. I don’t in any way wish ill for Haas. I don’t at all. But I do think it’s odd.” – he pointed out.

Toyota could soon have their drivers in Haas cars, initially participating in testing or FP1 sessions. For Toyota to influence the full-time driver lineup, their involvement with the team would need to deepen—a scenario not unlike Mercedes loaning George Russell to Williams or Ferrari-backed Oliver Bearman racing for Haas.

A recent report suggests Toyota may eventually buy Haas, re-entering Formula 1 as a manufacturer after their 2009 exit. This move would likely eliminate any concerns about regulatory gray areas and compliance.

Such a development would create a formidable new competitor for teams like Red Bull and Williams, both of whom currently sit near Haas in the standings. Last year, Forbes valued Gene Haas’ team at £690 million, adding weight to speculation about a potential buyout.