Ayao Komatsu criticizes the ‘excuse’ culture during Guenther Steiner’s era at Haas.
- Gene Haas grew frustrated with constant justifications for poor performance.
- Komatsu believes the team never functioned properly under Steiner.
- Haas has started to make a comeback with significant improvements in 2024.
- New driver line-up and future plans aim to continue this progress.
Ayao Komatsu, the current principal of the Haas Formula 1 team, has openly criticized the culture of ‘excuses’ that he believes plagued the team during Guenther Steiner’s tenure. Komatsu, who took over from Steiner at the end of 2023, claims that this mentality prevented the team from addressing key issues and working effectively.
Komatsu’s comments reflect the frustration of team owner Gene Haas, who had grown tired of the persistent justifications for the team’s underperformance. ‘The reason [Gene] got frustrated over the years, for some there is an excuse like COVID [in 2020], but last year, there was no excuse,’ Komatsu shared with RacingNews365. According to Komatsu, the team often deferred progress by claiming they were preparing for the future rather than solving existing problems.
The 2023 season was particularly disappointing for Haas as they ended up with only 12 points, placing last in the Constructors’ Championship. Komatsu argues that the fundamental issues from 2019 were never addressed, leading to continuous poor performance. ‘We were never working properly as a team, that was totally clear,’ he stated.
Despite the setbacks, Komatsu is optimistic about Haas’s prospects. With unwavering long-term commitment from Gene Haas, the team has already shown improvement in the 2024 season, scoring 27 points and climbing to P7 in the Constructors’ standings. This progress suggests a positive trajectory for the team.
Looking ahead, Haas is set to welcome new drivers in 2025. Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman will join the team, and Esteban Ocon will move from Alpine. Ocon, impressed by Komatsu’s vision and plans, recalled their initial discussions from mid-2023. ‘When we sat down for the first time, he explained [to] me about his plans going forward, which were very clear,’ Ocon said. He praised the team’s clear targets and the significant improvements already made.
Ocon expressed his excitement for the new challenge and adventure after a five-year stint with Alpine. He also mentioned his eagerness to complete the current season on a high note and start his collaboration with Haas in 2025.
Haas’s shift from a culture of excuses to one of accountability and progress bodes well for their future in Formula 1.
