Ayao Komatsu sides with Gene Haas over “embarrassing” F1 2023 remark

New Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has agreed with owner Gene Haas that the team’s form in 2023 was “embarrassing” as they slumped to last in the F1 constructors’ championship.
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas VF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 15, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, Italy, Qualifying Day.
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas VF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 15, Italian Grand Prix,…

While Haas never had t💝he slowest car in terms of raw pace, excessive tyre wear on Sundays meant that scoring points was often a chall൲enge.

It meant Haas finishedꦜ bottom of the constructors’ championship for the second time in three years.

Consequently, Guenther Steiner was replaced a✅s team principal, paving the way for Komatsu.

Speaking to the media at the team’s base in Banbury, Komatsu was aligned with Haas’ view about their recent form - but 🐎outlined the🐻 American’s desire to compete in F1.

“Gene at the moment wants to get o🐠ff the back o🐷f the grid,” Komatsu said.

“Obviously you saw and heard how unhappy Gene was. Of course, who’s going to be happy competing in last place? ꦡIt is embarrassing, it really is embarrassing.

“So I t💖hink it’s positive that Gene is unhappy where we are. If the people in the team think ok, we’re last, and we’re not sure where we’re going, Gene doesn’t say anything, then ok, is Gene happy just making up the numbers and being P10? 

“That’s clearly not the case. So that’sꦫ actually motivating for everyone here. Ok, Gene is serious, he wants to improve the team, so let’s do it tog๊ether.”

Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Haas VF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Race
Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Haas VF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand…

Haas introduced a significant upgrade at th꧒e United States Grand Prix which ultimatel🐻y didn’t improve their performance.

However, Komatsu knows the areas Haas 🥂need to improve for 2024.

“I don't think we understand everything,” he added. “[But] I think weꦏ understand a significant part of it. But then again, the only proof is if we can produce a car that can deal with that pro🐎blem. 

“So I don't li🦄ke to sit here and say that we understand it 100%. We have a decent idea why and where we need to focus on.”

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