Haas F1: Tough Call as Komatsu Drops Magnussen

Haas F1’s Komatsu explains the hard decision to replace Danish driver Magnussen by season’s end.

Ayao Komatsu has elucidated the primary reason behind what he described as a ‘very difficult’ decision to part with Kevin Magnussen at Haas F1 at the season’s close.

At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Komatsu confirmed that an announcement regarding Magnussen’s replacement—almost certainly to be Esteban Ocon—might be made before the summer break.

When asked why he decided to separate from Magnussen, Komatsu said: “It was very difficult because Kevin has contributed significantly to the team during his two stints, especially during the first alongside Romain Grosjean.”

“It was thrilling, in 2018, to achieve a fourth place in Austria, so there have been many highlights, and then when we needed him, when Gene Haas and Gunther Steiner called him back, he secured us that fifth place in Bahrain in 2022, so he has done a lot for the team.”

“I have spent many seasons with him, so it wasn’t easy, but I suppose that’s the responsibility of my role.”

Komatsu adds that he “takes nothing away from all of Kevin’s contributions and the fantastic impact he has had on the team to get us to where we are today. What was missing was consistency. That was the most important factor.”

The Japanese acknowledges that signing rookie Oliver Bearman for 2025 was a factor in the decision, with Haas set to announce the news about Ocon shortly.

“When you look at Nico (Hulkenberg) and Kevin, when it comes to providing a consistent benchmark, I need a driver closer to Nico’s regularity.”

“But the difference between Kevin and Nico is very slight. The results and the number of points might seem quite different at the end, but the crucial factor in the difference isn’t large.”

“So it was a tough decision to make regarding Kevin.”

Komatsu is adamant: he took everything into consideration before making his decision, and he had to put his emotions aside given all that Magnussen has done for the team over the years.

“Like it or not, it’s part of my job. I needed to try to make a professional decision, in the best interest of the team. That’s what Gene wanted me to do.”

“So, in the end, I kept asking myself: ‘Is this a professional decision? Am I doing the right thing for the team?’. No sentiment, no personal reasons.”

“I had to prioritize the potential, the results, and the growth of the team, and I am convinced I have made a professional decision. Whether it’s right or not, that remains to be seen, but at least in the process of making my decision, I am convinced it was done professionally.”