(Motorsport-Total.com) – Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has spoken unusually openly about the current situation of his team. Although the US racing team has regularly been able to keep up with significantly larger competitors in recent years, the Japanese now clearly sees the limits of the team reached.
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Above all, Haas lacks the necessary budget in the Formula 1 development race to fully exploit the existing potential, according to its own statement. In an interview with Sky UK, Komatsu explained that Haas is currently falling behind in the further development of the car. At the same time, he made it clear that this is by no means due to the work of the employees.
“At the moment we are falling behind in the development race. But if you look at our team size and our resources, our people are doing a really, really good job,” says Komatsu. “I just have to provide them with a better environment.”
The team principal especially praises the commitment and cohesion within the team. “I really cannot criticize the commitment and team spirit at all. This morning we had a very important session with many test points. The processes were really good and hopefully that gives us the right direction for the next steps.”
Money remains the decisive factor
Sky expert Martin Brundle then asked whether the main problem was actually the lack of financial resources or rather the small team size. Komatsu’s answer was clear.
“It all goes together. Money gives you resources,” explains the Haas team principal. “We do not reach the budget cap. That in itself is not a good thing.”
While the top teams have operated at the allowed spending limit every year since the introduction of the budget cap, Haas still cannot fully utilize this limit. This also means that important investments have to be omitted.
“I have to generate better income so that we can even reach the budget cap. Then we can provide our employees with a better environment, hire more people, acquire better tools – simply improve everything.”
That is why Komatsu is proud of what his team has achieved despite the restrictions. “With all the restrictions we have, our people are really doing a great job.”
Only 400 employees – against teams with more than 1,400
The size difference is particularly clear in personnel. In response to Brundle’s inquiry, Komatsu reveals that Haas currently employs only around 400 people. By comparison: some factory teams now have workforces of around 1,400 employees.
Especially at the beginning of the current season, the team once again proved how efficiently it works. Komatsu points to the enormous challenge posed by the new regulations. “This year is the biggest rule change I have experienced in my 23 years in Formula 1 – both on the engine and chassis side.”
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It was all the more impressive that Haas was able to put a competitive car on the track at the start of the season. “That we were able to present a car with this quality and this performance was incredible.”
Komatsu takes responsibility
It is remarkable that Komatsu explicitly does not look for the responsibility with his employees. “Everyone can be proud of that. The problem is not the employees – it is rather me.”
The Japanese sees his task as creating the conditions for success. “I have to create a better environment and give people the opportunities to realize their potential.”
Accordingly, his respect for the daily work within the team is great. “I am really incredibly proud of every single person in this team.”
No placement goals – focus on own work
Komatsu consciously does not want to formulate concrete season goals given the current situation. Instead, Haas focuses exclusively on the factors that the team itself can influence. “I have no specific goal. We can only focus on what we can control.”
The team principal knows exactly where the biggest problem lies. “I know that our car is currently not fast enough.” Therefore, it is about gathering as many insights as possible in every single session. “We have to do our homework, find as many answers as possible and get the maximum out of drivers and car.”
What result comes out in the end is initially secondary. “Which placement comes out in the end will show. We are not focusing on that at the moment.”
Brundle praises the Haas team principal
At the end of the interview, Martin Brundle surprised the Japanese with an extraordinary compliment. “If I were to run a factory team, I would want you as team principal. Are you available?”
Komatsu had to have the question repeated first before he answered with a smile. “No.” The Haas team principal obviously does not even think about a change. “I feel completely committed to this team.”
Precisely because he experiences daily the dedication with which his employees work, he still sees his future at Haas. “These people work incredibly hard. Working together as a team is simply great. I want to give these people the best possible chance so they can show what they are really capable of.”
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