Komatsu: A 'bittersweet' 7th place for Haas F1

Haas F1 reflects on a mixed Abu Dhabi GP, with Hülkenberg’s points haul and Magnussen’s fastest lap standing out amid setbacks.

Haas F1 can draw positive conclusions from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with four points for Nico Hülkenberg and a fastest lap for Kevin Magnussen. Ayao Komatsu, the team’s director, recaps the race for the American team.

“We knew we had to go all out, and after the first lap, everything was looking good as Nico was in fifth place and Kevin had an incredible first lap, moving from 14th to seventh,” Komatsu stated.

“Unfortunately, during Kevin’s first stop, it was slow, which is a shame because our pit crew has been outstanding this year. But at that critical moment, Kevin came out into traffic, which really compromised his race.”

“Since Kevin was stuck in traffic, we stopped him again, and on his out-lap, Bottas locked up under braking and damaged Kevin’s car. He was unlucky; I wanted Kevin to finish well because he’s done so much and is part of the family, but we couldn’t get him into the points. The final fastest lap was his gift.”

“On Nico’s side, he drove very well, but being in traffic all the time is really tough. The execution of his one-stop strategy was excellent, and under normal circumstances, without the championship at stake, finishing eighth and scoring four more points would be something to celebrate. So, I think we did the best we could with Nico.”

The Japanese director laments missing out on sixth place in the championship but expresses gratitude to his team: “In terms of the championship standings, it’s a bittersweet feeling because we’re seventh, but we aimed for sixth and didn’t achieve it.”

“I think everyone understands after the race that at the start of the season, if someone had said we would finish seventh, we would have been very happy. This year has been incredible, with everyone working together across all departments.”

“We have areas to improve, that’s part of the process, but we will come back stronger next year. For now, I want us to acknowledge the incredible season we’ve had, and I hope everyone is proud of what they’ve achieved and enjoys the moment. I am very proud of everyone in this team.”