(Motorsport-Total.com) – The team duel at the US racing stable Haas looks quite clear on paper after the previous race results. While Oliver Bearman regularly shines, Esteban Ocon has recently come under increased criticism from observers. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu is now publicly defending his experienced driver and emphasizes how distorted the picture often appears from the outside.
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“From the outside, it’s extremely difficult to see the real gap between two teammates,” the Japanese clarified in a media round. The balance of power does not reflect the pure performance of the drivers, as unpredictable variables and strategic advantages or disadvantages always play a role.
As an example, Komatsu cites Silverstone, where Ocon simply had bad luck: “Esteban was actually ahead of Oli before he was slowed down by a yellow flag – that was pure misfortune.” The points difference was also partly distorted by timely VSC or Safety Car phases in favor of Bearman, such as at the race in Shanghai.
Mysterious Set-up Puzzle Creates Performance Fluctuations
In addition to bad luck in the race, inexplicable technical puzzles are also causing problems for the Haas racing team. Last race weekend, Ocon showed a strong feeling for the car on Friday and was within two tenths of a second of Bearman – without even looking at the lap times, the Frenchman was satisfied with the car’s behavior.
“But from Saturday onwards, he wasn’t happy with the car at all. And honestly, we still don’t understand why,” Komatsu openly admits. “We hardly changed anything on the set-up. But as soon as he drove out in the third free practice, he immediately said that the stability was gone.”
Due to this abrupt drop in performance, Ocon fell miles behind Bearman. “If you look at that, it’s very, very difficult to get a true picture of the performance,” the Haas team boss continued.
Driver Search for 2027: Komatsu Remains Tight-lipped
The unclear data situation does not make Komatsu’s long-term future planning any easier. When asked whether this difficult assessment complicates the decision about the driver line-up for the 2027 season, the Japanese answered with his usual honesty: “Of course.”
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“I wish something would make the decision easier for me. But at least I know the exact background and can put everything into perspective correctly.”
Komatsu, however, leaves completely open when the driver duo for 2027 will be decided. When asked whether there will be news immediately after the summer break, the team boss comments briefly and concisely: “I don’t know.”
Settling Accounts with Paddock Rumors
Komatsu himself, by the way, does not see his protective stance towards Ocon in the media circle as a PR stunt or a targeted defense. “I’m just telling the truth. I’m not going out to overly defend or attack anyone – I’m just trying to be fair to everyone.”
The Japanese clearly rejects the ongoing speculation surrounding Ocon’s future and shows annoyance with the paddock rumor mill. “Rumors are just rumors. As I said in Montreal: people write what they want and speculate wildly.”
As a negative example, Komatsu cites absurd media reports: “When I read some articles, some people even believe Yuki Tsunoda is our reserve driver – that’s incredible! Why should I engage in such conversations? Whoever wants to write rumors and gossip, please write whatever you want.”