(Motorsport-Total.com) – Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu believes that the overtaking problem on Sunday at the Monaco Grand Prix should be accepted as part of the unique appeal of the event, rather than expecting the Formula 1 regulations for 2026 to fix it. He does not believe that the new cars will change the existing problem.
Read more Why a McLaren executive is moving to Williams
“I don’t think you can currently overtake there on Sunday. I mean, look at Suzuka, even in Miami overtaking was quite difficult,” Komatsu explains during an appearance on the podcast Essential F1. “So in Monaco, in my opinion, it will be the same. I don’t think it’s enough at the moment to see overtaking maneuvers in Monaco.”
For several years there have been discussions about making adjustments to make the race less of a procession. In 2025, they tried to make the race more exciting with two mandatory pit stops, but since that was not successful, this rule was dropped again for 2026.
But Komatsu believes that this type of race must also be accepted: “We have 22 races on the calendar, and I just find Monaco extremely unique,” he emphasizes. “Instead of trying to make Sunday in Monaco fit – that’s my personal opinion – we should simply accept the Monaco Sunday as it is.”
Read more Why a McLaren executive is moving to Williams
For him, the principality is still “a fantastic location” with a completely different vibe: “It’s all about Saturday. On its own, it’s a very unique event,” he says.
“Also, Monaco is traditionally a one-stop race. And because there is only this one stop on Sunday, the decisive moments can only happen around this one stop – which in turn creates enormous pressure,” says the Japanese. “If you make a small mistake there, that’s it, then you’re done and you can’t make it up anymore.”
Read more Incorrect seating position: That’s why Alonso had to retire in Canada