Haas is drastically trying to change direction, and to do it this time he decided, even a little surprise, to abandon the path that has been traveled for years Gunther steiner relying on a new leader, Ayao Komatsu. The differences between the two are many. Gene Haas focused on Komatsu precisely for this reason, and for his experience in Formula 1. In a selected meeting between Komatsu and some media, including The Race, it emerged the master plan of the new Haas team principal to achieve the goal of improving the team's position in the F1 rankings.
Un necessary change
Haas' 2023 season was another flop. The team, with the aim of finding itself fighting in the top 10, found itself last in the standings. Hence the decision to change. Simone Resta's farewell was followed by an even more sensational one, that of Gunther Steiner after 8 years of honorable work alongside Gene Haas, on the threshold of a new season. This change was caused by friction between Steiner and Gene Haas over the financial management of the team. Steiner called for greater investments to close the budget gap with other teams, while Gene Haas preferred a more efficient use of resources.
The Komatsu has been part of the team for several years, he knows Gunther and his way of working well, which he admits he has never shared. “I'm not trying to be Guenther Steiner. I'm not here to replace his character, I'm a very different person." justifies Komatsu wanting to leave a different mark on the team. In fact, Gene chose him precisely so as not to be like Steiner, a more controversial character who distracted attention from the bad results.
“My job, fundamentally, is to improve the competitiveness of the team”, says Komatsu. “That's my goal, period. I will not consciously seek visibility to promote the team's popularity, that's someone else's work as far as I'm concerned. I made that clear to Gene too.”
Komatsu, despite his reserve and the sudden call, is determined to do things his way. The new team principal seems to be ready to lead the team with his distinctive personality. Steiner's approach in recent years has made Haas popular among the new generations, but not sufficiently prepared for a leap in quality. Komatsu is clear that it is not trying to emulate Guenther Steiner. Although he has respect for his predecessor, the new team principal stated that he is here to be the best version of himself and to bring a different approach. His appointment has also led to a split of roles, with a new chief operating officer (COO) who will handle some aspects of the team's leadership.
One of the biggest problems is linked to resources, which Gene Haas has been clear that he does not want to invest in. But there is still a team to be re-founded and Komatsu's plan starts from several points. Its strategy is based on progressive improvements, continuously evaluating the current team model and adapting it according to future needs.
Komatsu's plan to raise Haas from the ashes
First the division of the headquarters between Italy and the United Kingdom which does not convince the Japanese, who aims to make Haas independent while maintaining the partnership with Ferrari. The goal is to prepare for the regulatory change in 2026 and evolve. Komatsu also places a strong emphasis on communication as key to team success. Try to unite the team spread across three different bases, highlighting the importance of clearly understanding the objectives and involving everyone.
Another point that Komatsu touches on in his first interview as team principal concerns the need to improve the effectiveness of internal operations and communication with the Maranello style office. Although the partnership with Ferrari is solid, the new team principal aims to maximize the technical side of the team, avoiding focusing too much on the commercial and marketing aspects.
Komatsu seems to have clear ideas, he is aware of the pressure resulting from the expectations for the new beginning, but aims to avoid a repeat of the disappointing previous season. With the vision of improving gradually and without forcing radical changes, the new team principal envisages a more long-term path. However, we will have to see if all this can be reconciled with the lack of investments which at the moment remain a rather large limit to overcome.
Source statements: The Race
