With just one race remaining in the 2024 Formula 1 season, Haas finds itself in an uphill battle to secure sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Trailing Alpine by five points, team boss Ayao Komatsu has outlined a “totally different mindset” as the team looks to overturn the deficit at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Challenge Ahead
Haas currently sits seventh in the standings with 54 points, needing at least six points in Abu Dhabi to leapfrog Alpine’s 59-point tally. To achieve this, both Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen must finish in eighth and ninth—or better—while hoping Alpine fails to score.
“It’s not good enough to be basically doing the same as them or scoring the same points,” Komatsu said. “We’ve got to outscore them by six points. That’s a very tall order, so we’ve just got to focus on getting two drivers to score points as high as possible.”
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Haas’s struggles in recent races have been compounded by errors, including a misstep with Hulkenberg’s qualifying preparation in Qatar that saw him eliminated in Q1 due to poor battery deployment.
“Repeated mistakes will take us out of contention,” Komatsu admitted. “We’ve got to really be focused and make sure we get both drivers in the top-10 [of qualifying], or as close to the top-10 as possible, and go from there.”
Alpine’s Game-Changing Performances
Haas’s uphill climb stems largely from Alpine’s standout results in Sao Paulo and Qatar. At Interlagos, a dramatic wet race and a well-timed red flag saw Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finish second and third, scoring a massive 33 points. The performance vaulted Alpine into a position of strength after lagging behind for much of the season.
“That kind of thing is part of what makes sports interesting,” Komatsu said. “They operated well, judged the red flag perfectly, and didn’t put a foot wrong. So yes, it was a one-off, but it’s part of racing.”
Haas’s Strategy for Abu Dhabi
Haas’s hopes hinge on delivering a flawless weekend. The team must avoid the errors that plagued them in recent races and ensure both cars maximize their starting positions in qualifying. Consistency and opportunism will be key as Haas aims to capitalize on any missteps from Alpine.
Komatsu acknowledged the challenge: “It’s part of racing, and anything can happen. We still try our best to overhaul that here.”
Key Takeaways
- Haas’s Path to Sixth: The team needs at least six points in Abu Dhabi, requiring both drivers to finish in the points while Alpine fails to score.
- Critical Focus: Avoiding mistakes in qualifying and race execution is paramount.
- Alpine’s Stronghold: Recent standout performances in Sao Paulo and Qatar have put Alpine in a commanding position.
- Komatsu’s Optimism: Despite the odds, Haas remains motivated for a final push at Yas Marina Circuit.
Looking Ahead
With the Constructors’ Championship standings on the line, the final race of the season promises a thrilling conclusion for Haas and Alpine. Can Haas pull off a last-minute comeback, or will Alpine’s recent form hold firm? The Yas Marina Circuit will decide it all.
