Haas F1’s allure grows as Komatsu applauds Ocon’s unexpected switch, marking a significant team milestone.
Gone are the days when Haas F1 could only sign second-tier or pay-to-drive drivers, a trend exemplified by the likes of Nikita Mazepin. This summer, the American team has demonstrated its growing appeal by securing a driver from a factory team, albeit one in turmoil.
That driver is none other than Esteban Ocon, who will be leaving Alpine F1 to join Haas.
Despite having the smallest budget, Haas does not lack allure in F1. This development is promising for the team, and even seemed to surprise its director, Ayao Komatsu.
Komatsu, an engineer by training, admitted he was taken aback by how quickly Ocon agreed to join Haas F1.
“He’s only 27, you know, he still has a lot to prove.”
“And then there’s his commitment and work ethic, which are truly incredible.”
“Once again, it means a great deal to me that we have a driver, an experienced driver, joining us. A driver who has historically performed well but is still young, has much to prove, and believes 100% in the project.”
“And I am certain he will bring us hope. So yes, I am really looking forward to it.”
Esteban Ocon had initially made contact with Haas F1 in mid-2023, but it was mainly during the spring and this summer that discussions picked up pace, according to Ayao Komatsu.
“I met him after Miami and then again in England; I had spoken with his manager before and met him in England after Miami.”
So how did Komatsu manage to persuade Ocon to join the least financially equipped team on the grid?
“I told him where we are at, what we are trying to do as a team, what our plans are. But in terms of plans and what we are trying to do, nothing is guaranteed.”
“When I met him, I explained this project, where we are at, what we are trying to achieve. I didn’t try to convince him; I simply told him things as they were.”
“And he fully embraced the project, much more than I could have anticipated. He was so committed; he wanted to be part of this project, he believed in it.”
“It’s simply about my vision and how we are trying to advance the team.”
“I think he really agreed and appreciated the vision and what we are attempting to achieve. He was very, I don’t know, committed to this.”
The truth of the track spoke volumes for Haas F1, which unexpectedly returned to 7th place in the constructors’ standings, ahead of Alpine…
“I am quite grateful that he chose to come here rather than to other teams, which are more significant than us.”
“Everyone is bigger than us, aren’t they? So yes, it’s a very positive message.”
Ayao Komatsu is thus thrilled to see that Haas F1 is no longer “the last choice” in F1.
“We must thank the guys who improved the car throughout the season.”
“We had the label of a team that was never able to develop the car throughout the season. Some seasons started well for us – but we only moved backwards.”
It’s a subtle dig at Günther Steiner’s management…
“But with our guys, thanks to the efforts of our guys, with the developments we brought to Shanghai, Miami, Imola, we at least maintain our position by widening the gap with some teams.”
“Okay, we may not have progressed as much as McLaren, but we haven’t fallen back compared to many other teams.”
“We at least maintain our progress. And then at Silverstone, you saw that we actually closed the gap.”
“So yes, there are highs and lows with some circuits, but overall, we have proven that we can develop the car during the season. So yes, it’s thanks to our guys that other drivers have shown interest in us. It’s very gratifying.”
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Ocon to Haas: Komatsu Lauds Surprising Team Leap Ocon to Haas: Komatsu Lauds Surprising Team Leap
