Haas boss Komatsu rejects reports Ollie Bearman demanded 6 million euro salary

What's new

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has rejected reports that Ollie Bearman's salary demand is holding up his new contract. Speaking at a press conference in Mexico ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Komatsu called the claims "absolute nonsense". Rumours had circulated of a figure of 6 million euros. Komatsu said he had no idea where that number came from. He said he could not give details on the delay, but that both Bearman and the team want to keep working together.

Why it matters

For Indian fans following Formula 1, the row shows how quickly unverified figures can spread online. Bearman's future at Haas affects which drivers race on the grid next season. Readers should treat large salary figures from social media with caution until a team or driver confirms them.

What others say

Sky Sports reported that Komatsu had furiously dismissed reports that Bearman was demanding a £5m annual salary. Crash.net quoted Komatsu saying he did not know who had "smoked up" the 6 million euro figure. The outlets gave different currency figures for the rumour, which the reports do not reconcile. Komatsu also said he had no comment on the number because it was not close to the truth.

What we don't know yet

The sources do not say when the contract will be signed. Neither Haas nor Bearman has confirmed the terms being discussed. Komatsu did not explain what the "few things in the background" that Bearman mentioned are.