Haas F1 reaches 200 Grand Prix races in Formula 1. Ayao Komatsu shares key milestones, from debut points to team survival.
This weekend in Canada, Haas F1 will reach the milestone of 200 Formula 1 Grands Prix—an achievement for a team that has carved out its place in F1, scoring points right from its very first race in 2016.
“We wouldn’t have enough time to talk about our entire journey,” began Ayao Komatsu, who served as the team’s chief race engineer before taking over from Günther Steiner.
Ayao Komatsu has been with Haas F1 since its inception and recalls many memories from the early days.
“Yes, I still remember ten years ago like it was yesterday: building the car, pre-season testing, the trip to Melbourne.”
“Since then, there have been many ups and downs, but now I’m really proud that we’ve made it here.”
“Two hundred races, and we’re improving the team, fighting in the midfield. That’s something everyone in the team should be proud of.”
What Was the Best Moment of These 200 Grands Prix? The First Points in the Opening Race of 2016?
“Yes, the first real highlight was definitely the first race in 2016, in Melbourne. After building the car at the factory, it already felt like we had completed a full season.”
“Then we realized we hadn’t done anything yet. We don’t remember much from pre-season testing because we barely slept.”
“When we arrived in Melbourne, we were practically dead. Then, not being able to practice pit stops, and still finishing seventh with Romain—that was incredible.”
“And then going to Bahrain, the second race, finishing fifth with Romain on an aggressive strategy. Those were clear highlights.”
“2018 was a very good season, and in Austria, finishing fourth and fifth was an extraordinary result. That really felt like a win for us.”
Conversely, Haas F1 Went Through a Very Dark Period Starting in 2019. COVID Nearly Put the Team Out of Business…
“The tough moment was when we started heading in the wrong direction in 2019 and couldn’t fix the car.”
“We had a half-decent car in qualifying, but we simply couldn’t race, and we couldn’t solve the problem for the entire season.”
“That was a low point. Then COVID hit, and we really couldn’t do much. That was a hard time. But now we’re improving again. That’s a good thing.”
Low Expectations in Canada?
Haas F1’s 200th Grand Prix may not be the most memorable, as the American team is struggling—particularly with the many curbs at the Montreal circuit.
Is Komatsu very pessimistic about the weekend?
“Honestly, expectations are always hard to define. At every circuit we go to—especially with the C6 tyre, which is very sensitive—I find it a bit difficult to predict exactly where we’ll be.”
“For me, here in Montreal, we’re focused on having a clean weekend, building up momentum, then trying to get the most out of the car and the drivers.”
“Hopefully we can fight for points, but it’s still a long road. Yes, we need to improve the car significantly.”
Of Course, Most of Haas F1’s Resources Are Already Shifting Toward the 2026 Regulation Overhaul.
“Yes. Obviously, especially for smaller teams like ours, it’s a very big challenge. But it’s the same for everyone, that’s the nature of the sport.”
“So, we deal with it. But one tough part is that the technical regulations aren’t fully stable yet.”
“We work on something, then the rules change, and we have to start over. So yes. But again, it’s the same for everyone. Still, it’s a challenge.”
