(Motorsport-Total.com) – Haas finished the winter tests in Bahrain with an overall satisfied feeling – even if team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasizes that not everything went smoothly by any means. In terms of performance, however, the American team set a clear exclamation mark.
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On the last of the six test days, Oliver Bearman set the sixth-fastest time. Across both Bahrain tests, only Alpine with Pierre Gasly was faster once in the midfield. Haas thus clearly seems to be in the front of the midfield.
Komatsu: “We have hit all milestones”
Komatsu looks primarily at the structured process of the preparation. Every test had a clear goal. The shakedown in Barcelona was primarily there to “collect kilometers, sign off on reliability, and take a first look at the new power unit regulations – that is the big point.”
In the following week in Bahrain, the aim was to “further refine the power unit management, achieve consistency, and analyze the sensitivities on the chassis side.” In the final testing phase, the focus was then on the final preparation for the first race.
It wasn’t perfect, Komatsu admits, “but when I look at it under the microscope, we hit all the milestones.” Therefore, his conclusion is clear: “I have to say, I am reasonably satisfied with the preparation.”
Given the massive regulatory overhaul, this was by no means a given. “It’s a huge regulation change for everyone,” he emphasizes. He didn’t feel “very, very prepared” before the first rollout – but that probably applies to all teams.
“A huge feat of strength” before the first test
Komatsu is particularly proud of his team’s performance in the run-up. There were only two days between a shakedown in Fiorano and the first test day in Barcelona – an enormous logistical and organizational challenge.
“That was a huge feat of strength,” he says openly. “It wasn’t a painless process.” Nevertheless, the team made everything possible. “Everyone played their part – from logistics and parts coordination to the mechanics and engineers.” Especially in difficult moments, the team spirit showed.
The fact that Haas got through the program solidly despite this starting situation and brought a “relatively reliable” base to the track is seen as a success by Komatsu. “We started well with the basics. A good foundation – that’s what I think.”
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In fact, the team even completed two race distances on the last test day. “It wasn’t problem-free, but we did it,” said Komatsu. For a team in the tight midfield, this is an important signal heading towards Melbourne.
Balance progress and strong times in the midfield
Komatsu also sees clear progress in terms of driving dynamics. Especially during the final Bahrain test, the learning curve noticeably picked up. “Our understanding grew every day,” he explains. The decisive factor was that the team was able to work through the planned program cleanly.
The resulting adjustments brought small but important progress in each case. “Every time we did that, we took a small step forward.” Komatsu explicitly highlights the interaction between the track and the factory: “That was a very good experience.”
Viewed from the outside, the VF-26 made a stable impression – especially in the medium-speed sections such as turns ten and eleven. When asked about this assessment, Komatsu initially reacts with a smile: “Really?” He himself had hardly any opportunity to look at the car from the track. “I only see the zigzag lines on the data.”
Komatsu remains cautious: “You always want more”
But he also recognizes progress based on this data. Issues such as braking stability, traction, and balance through the corners were improved step by step. “You always want more. You want your car to deliver everything perfectly – which of course is not the case.” Given the regulation change and the starting situation, however, the base is solid.
A look at the timesheet underlines this impression: Bearman’s sixth-fastest time on the final test day was a clear exclamation mark. This suggests that Haas is at least in the mix for a fast lap in the front part of the chasing group.
Komatsu nevertheless remains cautious with predictions. The decisive factor was that the “basics are right” – reliability, database, and a clear understanding of the development direction. Everything else will be revealed in Melbourne.
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