If there were ever two contrasting individuals, the outspoken and abrasive Steiner stands in stark contrast to the soft-spoken, polite, and dignified Komatsu, who generously took the time to speak. The initial inquiry revolved around the differences of being an F1 team principal in one’s home country, Japan. Komatsu responded, “It’s the same but different. The pitlane is filled with countless faces. This year takes it to another level. It comes with a sense of responsibility. It gives the Japanese fans something to cheer for. The people’s happiness is a joy to witness. It fuels me with energy.”
“The pressure during race weekends is somewhat similar. The focus is on performing, with little room for wastefulness. However, my weekends are now divided, and I find myself dealing with engineering and commercial matters. I have to adapt and switch gears mentally,” Komatsu explained.
“I am pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support I have received. The race team is based in the UK, with car design taking place in Italy. While I am UK-based, I receive ample support from Italy. Working with such individuals has been a delightful surprise,” admitted the 48-year-old Komatsu.
Amidst a preseason filled with significant F1 news, Steiner’s sudden departure from the team just before testing sent shockwaves through the paddock. It was an unexpected turn of events, considering Steiner’s overnight fame through Netflix’s portrayal of him as the face and voice of the team. However, it was evident that Gene Haas had grown weary of ‘The Guenther Show’ and subsequently promoted Komatsu to the position.
The Tokyo native shed light on the clear instructions he received from his American boss, stating, “Gene’s message was crystal clear. He was dissatisfied with the team’s performance. It’s quite simple, really. In any race weekend, you strive to excel in every session, with every lap counting.”
“There is no room for error. You must contemplate how to improve and approach each session strategically. The pressure is internal, driven by a pursuit of perfection,” Komatsu elaborated. “Each person has their own unique personality, and I aim to extract the best performance from each individual. Understanding their strengths and adapting to different situations is crucial in building a successful strategy,” Komatsu ventured.
Rumors circulating that Ferrari is considering placing Ollie Bearman on the F1 grid in 2025 have raised the question of whether veteran drivers Kevin Magnussen or Nico Hulkenberg would have to step aside for the 18-year-old prodigy.
Ayao Komatsu, the Haas F1 Team Principal, expressed his admiration for his current duo of Nico and K-Mag. He emphasized their exceptional teamwork both on and off the track, highlighting their ability to score points effectively. Komatsu was particularly impressed with Ollie Bearman’s performance, as he stepped in for the hospitalized Carlos Saizn at Ferrari during the Saudi Grand Prix. Bearman showcased his remarkable talent and handled the challenging Jeddah circuit with ease. Komatsu acknowledged the potential in drivers like Bearman and praised his understanding of the sport’s demands.
When discussing the possibility of a Tokyo Street Circuit hosting a Grand Prix in the future, Komatsu expressed his preference for circuits like Suzuka. He believed that high-speed tracks with significant downforce allow the cars to demonstrate their true capabilities. On the other hand, street races fail to showcase the full potential of the cars. Komatsu acknowledged that this viewpoint may differ among younger generations.
Following the qualifying session at Suzuka, Komatsu reflected on the team’s performance. Although Kevin couldn’t secure a spot in Q2, the set-up changes made him content and optimistic for the race. Nico, as usual, delivered exceptional laps during Q1 and Q2. Overall, Komatsu viewed their recovery from challenging practice sessions positively, acknowledging the team’s effective collaboration. Komatsu’s ultimate goal is to leave Suzuka with points in hand. (Interview conducted by Agnes Carlier at Suzuka)