Chief of the Haas Formula 1 team, Ayao Komatsu believes that the team’s performance at the Suzuka circuit demonstrates its potential to consistently score points throughout the 2024 season. Despite facing an anti-stall issue during the standing start, which caused Nico Hulkenberg to lose positions, Komatsu remains optimistic about Haas’ pace at the Japanese Grand Prix. Although the team fell further behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, both Komatsu and Hulkenberg acknowledged that Suzuka would be a challenging track that would expose the weaknesses of the VF-24 car. Komatsu expressed his determination to aggressively introduce new parts in future races to enhance the car’s performance and competitiveness. Despite the setback at the start, Komatsu emphasized the positive aspect of Hulkenberg’s ability to score points if not for the disastrous start. He also expressed his pleasant surprise at the team’s ability to compete at Suzuka, exceeding his expectations.
Despite the positives, the Japanese engineer clarified that there are still areas to improve for the US-based team, with advancements in their 2024 competitor. Komatsu stressed that overall aerodynamic pressure in high-speed corners is a noticeable weakness that the Kannapolis-based team will strive to address in the coming months. “Ultimately, as you can see, the aerodynamic pressure at high speed is insufficient, so that’s what we need to improve, and also certain characteristics in the front axle blocker need enhancement. However, honestly, this is our worst circuit,” stated Komatsu.
Komatsu lamented a missed opportunity to score points in Japan, as the previously mentioned issue with Hulkenberg resulted in a loss of six positions during the restart after the red flag. The experienced German’s hopes of a recovery were further hampered when Yuki Tsunoda overtook him in the pits, leaving Hulkenberg 5.5 seconds behind the RB. “It was a last-minute decision; basically, we reacted to [Valtteri] Bottas, so we wanted to stay on the same lap and not fall behind,” explained Komatsu. “So they made a decision, and then we responded to it, but within a very short timeframe, and as a result, the team was not ready. And because we are the first garage at the pit entry this time, it’s like the worst of both scenarios, so we lost time. We still came out ahead of Bottas, but we lost two positions, which is quite frustrating.”
Looking ahead to the next race in China – a track that Formula 1 has not visited since 2019 due to Covid restrictions – Komatsu believes that Haas has room for improvements. Komatsu pointed out that the setup of both cars during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend was far from ideal, which will pose a “challenge” with the Sprint format in Shanghai. “Based on this weekend, for example, our car was not set up correctly. In FP1, the balance of our car was off, and then we had a wet session in FP2, so we missed a session, which meant we were behind in FP3,” admitted Komatsu. “It is obviously a similar challenge in Shanghai, as it is a Sprint weekend, so we need to get it right from FP1. This presents us with a challenge, but we learned a lot this weekend in terms of how we can improve operationally, set up the car, and react to different situations. There are numerous aspects that need improvement. However, we remain focused on the positives and aim to optimize the car’s performance for Shanghai,” concluded the 48-year-old driver.
© 2024
The world of sports is in shock with the bombshell news that has just emerged. One of the biggest football stars, Cristiano Ronaldo, is about to sign a new contract with a surprise club. According to reliable sources, the Portuguese player is in advanced negotiations with the mysterious club, which promises to shake up the world of football.
Ronaldo, known for his incredible skill and track record of achievements, is ready to take a new step in his career. After a successful season with his current club, the superstar is seeking new challenges and opportunities to showcase his talent. The news of his possible transfer is already causing frenzy among sports fans.
Although the name of the club is still kept secret, it is speculated to be a high-level team with great financial power. The details of the contract are still being finalized, but it is expected to be one of the most lucrative contracts in the history of football. Ronaldo’s transfer will certainly be one of the biggest stories of the year in the sports world.
Fans are eager to find out what will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s next destination. While we await the official announcement, we can only speculate on the possibilities and imagine the impact his transfer will have on football. Will he go to an already established club or choose a completely new challenge? Only time will tell.
Regardless of where he goes, one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to be a football legend and an inspiration to many young players around the world. His dedication, talent, and determination are unmatched, and his legacy in the sport will be eternal. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
