Komatsu believes Gene Haas has every reason to feel “disappointed” with F1 outcomes

Haas F1 Team: Aiming for a Turnaround in the 2023 Season

In an unexpected turn of events, Haas F1 Team bid farewell to its long-standing boss Guenther Steiner after facing a challenging season that saw them finish at the bottom of the constructors’ championship. This departure marked a new era for the Banbury-based team as they brought in Komatsu, who is currently conducting an extensive review of their operations with hopes to climb up the grid.

The outspoken remarks made by team owner Gene Haas regarding the team’s performance raised eyebrows but were deemed well justified by Komatsu. “Gene wants us off the back of the grid,” stated Komatsu. “It’s clear from his unhappiness that he has no intention of settling for last place. Being at such a low position is embarrassing, and we need to push forward together.”

Although Gene Haas does not attend every Formula 1 race, his hands-on approach when he visits is noticeable, especially when it comes to technical matters. He pays close attention and provides valuable input on how improvements can be made.

Komatsu appreciates Haas’ direct approach and enthusiasm towards pushing the team to excel. “He may not fully grasp all aspects of Formula 1 teams, but he clearly communicates what he expects from us,” explained Komatsu. “My role is then to work alongside everyone else in achieving those goals because I cannot do it alone.”

This level of engagement from Gene Haas greatly contrasts with Komatsu’s previous experience at Lotus/Renault where upper management displayed little interest in racing matters. It was disappointing for him to witness owners who treated the team as a mere investment, lacking passion for the sport.

However, when Komatsu joined Haas F1 Team in 2016, he was pleasantly surprised by Gene Haas’ genuine passion. He recalled an incident during winter testing where there was a car failure and Gene Haas personally examined the faulty part with great interest. This level of dedication from an owner is refreshing and shows their commitment to the team’s success.