Haas F1 Gains Momentum: Komatsu Praises Team Effort

Haas F1’s Komatsu expresses pride as the team embraces Sprints, marking a shift in strategy and competitive ambition this season.

Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1’s director, took a moment to thank his entire team for their hard work this year, which has led to several strong results, including Mexico, where both drivers finished in the points.

“It’s simply incredible,” said Komatsu.

“Thank you to everyone who built this car – it’s an incredible team effort. This is what we’ve been trying to achieve since the beginning of the year.”

“The focus is on the idea that if we work as a team, we can make a big impact, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. I’m very happy and proud of everyone’s effort.”

“No matter who you are – whether you’re in IT, communications, an engineer or a mechanic, CFD specialists, designers, everyone – I cannot thank this team enough. It’s just an incredible team effort and an amazing atmosphere. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The Japanese director is pleased to see the confidence within Haas, so much so that his crew has managed to close in on RB F1: “In 2018, we scored a lot of points, but we’re just focusing on each event.”

“I told the entire team, with eight races left, that every race weekend should be like a cup final, that we had to give everything to beat them. And now, we’re 10 points ahead of them. So, we keep pushing forward.”

“Before, with our car, we completely ignored the Sprint because there was no chance we’d break into the top 8. Now, that’s no longer the case. We scored double points in the Sprint at Austin, so there are many more opportunities, and I’m happy for everyone. It’s incredible.”

Komatsu doesn’t want to change his approach for the final races of the season, and even though fifth place seems out of reach, he aims to give his best: “I’m not changing my approach at all. You always have to look ahead. For me, my philosophy is to always take one step better.”

“Yes, aiming for fifth place is a stretch—they’re far ahead—but that doesn’t change the fact that at every race, you need to give it your all, maximize everything you can when the pressure is on. So no, it doesn’t change our approach—we’ll keep trying to take one step better each time.”

“I always say that this year, I find it very difficult to be precise about our competitiveness. I think Brazil is a very technical track, challenging for the driver, challenging for the car, but Austin was strong, we performed well, and these are very, very different circuits. So, I’m looking forward to going there and giving my best.”

Haas F1 Gains Momentum: Komatsu Praises Team Effort. Haas F1 Gains Momentum: Komatsu Praises Team Effort