Currently 6th in the standings, Haas are on track for their best F1 season since 2018. In less than a year since becoming team principal, Ayao Komatsu has transformed Haas into one of the best midfield teams.
Komatsu addresses all major weaknesses at Haas
Prior to Komatsu’s appointment, several limited the team’s ability to compete in Formula 1. Perhaps the biggest problem was the consistently poor development at Haas.
Only last season, Haas were guilty of virtually a non-existent development programme. They only introduced one significant upgrade package in the entire season (in COTA), and even this failed to produce an impact.
The American squad have also suffered from a large staff and resource deficit compared to other teams.
Thanks to Ayao Komatsu negotiating a landmark partnership with Toyota, Haas will receive an influx of much-needed personnel and technical facilities in the coming years.
Speaking after Magnussen and Hulkenberg’s fantastic results in Mexico (P7 and P9 respectively) the Japanese team principal gave his verdict:
“I don’t know what to say, it’s another amazing result for this team. I’m so happy that everyone’s hard work is paying off, with the updates and the car getting better.
“I’m so happy for Kevin, he drove very well in Austin, but we couldn’t quite deliver on Sunday.
“But this weekend he had an amazing qualifying – today everyone delivered.
“His pace in the second stint was unbelievable, he was catching Verstappen in his Red Bull and was finishing just four seconds behind.
“That was probably the best I’ve seen Kevin drive, I’m so happy for him. In a way, Nico being disappointed with P9 is a great sign for the team as well.”
Haas can aim for more
Haas have now scored points in five consecutive races – evidencing the effectiveness of their 2024 mid-season development programme.
Their consistent results have catapulted them into 6th in the standings. They now enjoy a significant buffer over VCARB, whose performance has plateaued since the European leg of the season.
Komatsu’s squad has also outscored Aston Martin since the summer break. Considering Aston’s superior infrastructure and greater number of personnel, this is a huge achievement.
Because 2025 is the final year before the 2026 regulations, teams will allocate the majority of their resources next season into their 2026 cars.
This means Haas’ upward trajectory to finish this year’s campaign, excluding a shock hiccup over winter, should translate into next season.
