23 January 2024 , 07:00
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Ayao Komatsu insists the owner of the Haas Formula 1 team has every right to be embarrassed by their results in recent years.
Komatsu is the new man in charge at the American team, which finished in last place in 2023. Clearly unhappy with that outcome, owner Gene Haas called long-serving team principal Guenther Steiner over the festive period to tell him his services would no longer be required.
It was the second time in three seasons that the team finished at the bottom of the pile. Haas essentially sacrificed the whole 2021 season to focus on the new regulations for the following year and, although they were markedly better the following year, they were still a long way off even challenging in the midfield.
And last year's return to rock bottom sparked the owner into not only a decision, but a rant that went viral as he spoke of the bond his team has with Ferrari. "They have been with us since day one, they build incredible engines. Their suspension is extremely good," the 71-year-old said.
"We have been using a lot of their hardware. It works really well. They really do help us. I'm embarrassed that we haven't been able to do better with it but, going forward, I want to take advantage of good equipment that a lot of other teams don't have."
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The word "embarrassed" was picked up on the most and prompted some people to question how the team's staff would take hearing that from their employer. But new chief Komatsu, who has worked for the team since 2016, insists the owner is justified in his strong comments.
"Gene at the moment, he wants to get off the back of the grid," said the Japanese engineer. "You saw and heard how unhappy Gene was. I mean, of course, who's going to be happy competing in last place? It is embarrassing. It really is embarrassing.
"So I think it's positive that Gene is unhappy where we are. If the people in the team think, 'Okay, we are last, and then we're not sure where we're going because Gene doesn't say anything', then [they will think], is Gene happy just making up numbers being P10?
"That's clearly not the case. It's actually motivating for everyone here. Okay, Gene is serious, he wants to improve the team. So let's do it together." And, regarding the relationship he has with the owner, Komatsu went on to add that it has been made clear to him what is expected of the team going forward.
He said: "[Haas] may not necessarily understand the details of Formula 1 teams, but at least he gives me a clear direction of what he wants out of the team, which is clear... It's good because he's very engaged and very enthusiastic."