New Haas Team Principal reveals squad 'frustration'

Newly appointed Haas Formula 1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has spoken out about a “source of frustration” over the last number of years.

Haas announced on Wednesday evening that Komatsu has replaced Guenther Steiner as Team Principal ahead of the 2024 F1 campaign.

The US-owned squad has endured a number of difficult seasons over the last handful of years and concluded the 2023 campaign at the bottom of the standings.

Its car was often unable to compete in race trim as it struggled to maintain performance despite some strong qualifying outings.

Komatsu has stated that its lack of form across the last handful of years has sprouted frustration within the team.

“We are a performance-based business, ” Komatsu stated. “We obviously haven’t been competitive enough recently which has been a source of frustration for us all.

“We have amazing support from Gene and our various partners, and we want to mirror their enthusiasm with an improved on-track product.

“We have a great team of people across Kannapolis, Banbury and Maranello and together I know we can achieve the kind of results we’re capable of.”

New direction

Komatsu has been promoted to the role following a number of years working as its Director of Engineering.

Amid its slump in form, Komatsu will oversee the day-to-day operations of the squad as it aims to propel up the pecking order.

“I’m naturally very excited to have the opportunity to be Team Principal at Haas F1 Team,” added Komatsu.

“Having been with the team since its track debut back in 2016 I’m obviously passionately invested in its success in F1.

“I’m looking forward to leading our program and the various competitive operations internally to ensure we can build a structure that produces improved on-track performances.”