Peter Windsor says F1 teams should be ‘complaining to the FIA’ about what £690m outfit have just done

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Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine are the only three out-and-out manufacturer teams on the Formula 1 grid. They build their own engines and their own chassis in-house.

Alpine are about to relinquish that status as they shut down their F1 engine operation at Viry. Luca de Meo has struck a deal with Mercedes ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.

Cadillac have acquired the IP of Alpine’s engine as they try to join the sport with Andretti. That should help convince the teams that they will be competitive.

Current constructors’ championship leaders McLaren are a customer of Mercedes and have been since 2021 after a disastrous spell with Honda and a brief stint with Renault. Honda have achieved success with Red Bull, winning three straight drivers’ titles, but will link up with Aston Martin instead from 2026.

Christian Horner’s team will build their own powertrains for the new ruleset, in partnership with Ford, and also supply junior team RB. Elsewhere, Williams remain committed to Mercedes, while Sauber will ditch Ferrari power as they become the Audi works team.

Peter Windsor says Haas’ tie-up with Toyota is ‘scary’

One team in a unique position is Haas. They will continue to use Ferrari engines until at least the end of 2028, but have just announced a technical partnership with Toyota.

Haas also have a deal with Dallara, who have been building their chassis since 2016. As part of their Toyota agreement, they will have access to the Japanese giant’s personnel and facilities.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, F1 journalist and former team member Peter Windsor said rival teams should be pressuring the FIA to investigate. He suggested Haas’ business model goes against the spirit of the regulations.

He said: “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. 

“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.”

Why Haas’ Formula 1 future may now be in doubt

Haas could also field Toyota drivers from next year. At first, this will likely be in tests or FP1 sessions – Toyota may have to increase their role in the team to have a say on the full-time driver line-up.

This wouldn’t be unusual. Mercedes effectively loaned George Russell to Williams for three years, while Oliver Bearman is at Haas thanks to his Ferrari academy connections.

According to a report this week, Toyota could eventually buy Haas and return as a manufacturer team after their departure in 2009. This would address any questions over regulatory compliance.

However, it would also present a formidable new rival for teams like RB and Williams, currently either side of Haas in the standings. Forbes valued Gene Haas’ operation at £690m last year.