Under Komatsu’s leadership, Haas F1 rebounded impressively, proving competitive in 2024 and delivering results beyond preseason expectations.
Last in the 2023 World Championship and largely uncompetitive throughout the season, Haas F1 entered 2024 with modest expectations. However, before discussing the team’s results, it is essential to note a significant internal change that occurred before the first Grand Prix: Günther Steiner, who had led the team since its inception in 2016, departed. Ayao Komatsu was chosen as his successor, a move that recognized the Japanese engineer’s dedication and loyalty. Suffice it to say, he quickly proved himself in the new role.
Indeed, the new VF-24 emerged as a regular points contender from the opening races. Nico Hülkenberg, consistently the stronger of the two Haas drivers, scored the team’s first point during the second race in Jeddah. The team followed this with a double top-10 finish in Melbourne, where the German placed ninth, just ahead of teammate Kevin Magnussen.
Hülkenberg delivered strong qualifying performances, reaching Q3 three times between China and Emilia-Romagna, securing a point in Shanghai and two more during the Miami Sprint. While Haas F1 struggled somewhat in subsequent races, a successful development program for the VF-24 marked a stark contrast to previous years.
Hülkenberg achieved his best results of the season with sixth-place finishes in Austria and Silverstone, while Magnussen joined the celebrations in Spielberg with an eighth-place result. Despite another brief dip in form during the following rounds, the VF-24 demonstrated consistent improvement and adaptability.
Hülkenberg returned to the top 10 in Singapore, the United States, and Mexico. The Mexican Grand Prix even saw a double-points finish for Haas, with Magnussen delivering his strongest weekend, qualifying seventh and finishing in the same position. By season’s end, the American team was on track for a commendable sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship—far surpassing initial expectations.
However, the team ultimately had to settle for seventh, owing to Alpine F1’s incredible late-season surge, aided significantly by the “miracle” of São Paulo. Nonetheless, the results remained strong, with Hülkenberg finishing eighth in Las Vegas and repeating the feat at the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. With 58 points in the Constructors’ Championship compared to just 12 in 2023, the American team can be proud of its season and the successful development of its car.
There may, of course, be some regret over missing out on sixth place. Hülkenberg carried the team despite a few mistakes, while Magnussen, though not completely out of contention, had less impact and scored only 16 points compared to his teammate’s 41. Hülkenberg came close to breaking into the top 10 of the Drivers’ Championship. Yet, considering the team’s starting point, satisfaction should prevail for owner Gene Haas.
The 2025 season will see two new drivers join Haas F1. Oliver Bearman, who impressed as Magnussen’s substitute in two races (finishing 10th in Baku), will race alongside the experienced Esteban Ocon, likely eager to prove himself after being unceremoniously let go by Alpine. Bearman’s task will be to confirm the promise he showed in 2024, while Ocon will step into the leadership role vacated by the excellent Hülkenberg.
In terms of results, the logical target for next season will be to secure sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, a position the team arguably deserved based on its 2024 performance. To achieve this, Haas will need to produce another car as competitive and well-developed as the VF-24. For Komatsu and his team, there will be no hiding after being one of the standout surprises of 2024.
Statistics
Haas F1 – 2024 Season
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Championship Position | 7th |
| Points Scored | 58 |
| Victories | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Fastest Laps | 1 |
| Hat Tricks | 0 |
| Grand Slams | 0 |
| Laps Led | 0 |
| Total Laps Completed | 2684 (91.90% of total) |
Driver Comparison
| Metric | Nico Hülkenberg | Kevin Magnussen |
|---|---|---|
| Race Results | 16 | 5 |
| Qualifying Results | 16 | 6 |
Note: Oliver Bearman participated in two Grands Prix as a replacement for Kevin Magnussen.
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2024 F1 Season Review – Haas F1 Team 2024 F1 Season Review – Haas F1 Team
