Asas VF-24 rear wing. May 26, 2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 8, Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Race Day.
Haas Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu, stated that the team’s cars, which were disqualified from the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, did not gain any performance advantage. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, who recorded the 12th and 15th fastest times in Q2, were sent to the back of the grid on Sunday due to their DRS not being compliant. Upon inspection, it was found that both Haas machines exceeded the maximum limit of 85mm for the outer edges of the movable elements of the wing. Komatsu acknowledged that, although the illegal rear wing did not provide any performance benefit, it is important to adhere to the rules. He described it as a team failure from which they must learn and ensure they do not repeat the same mistake.
The error occurred due to a lack of communication between the design team and the Haas operation on track. The new conceptual rear wing used in Monaco had elements that tilted towards the endplate, requiring specific adjustments to the DRS settings. Komatsu mentioned that if the designers had clearly communicated the design intention and the need for additional checks, it would have been helpful. However, he also emphasized that on-track checks should have thoroughly examined the entire legality surface, regardless of the information provided. With a completely new rear wing, assumptions and complacency should be avoided. The team needs to improve their teamwork and ensure that the entire legal surface is checked.
Além do erro na classificação, a Haas enfrentou desafios adicionais durante o fim de semana. A colisão de Magnussen com Sergio Perez na primeira volta resultou em um acidente de três carros, também envolvendo Hulkenberg. Como resultado, a equipe teve um duplo DNF (Não Terminou) e não marcou pontos em Mônaco. Atualmente, a Haas acumulou sete pontos nesta temporada e está em sétimo lugar no Campeonato de Construtores.
