Haas F1 has enjoyed a positive start to 2024, thanks to a car that has improved on several fronts, including race pace. In 2023, high-fuel running was the American outfit’s Achilles heel. Team principal Ayao Komatsu is optimistic ahead of the Australian GP.
However, he also emphasises the team cannot make any definitive conclusions at this stage.
Considering the expectations heading into Bahrain, Haas can be very encouraged with their early efforts.
After conducting thorough preparation in pre-season testing in Bahrain, Haas responded after a frustrating round 1 to score a point. With the Australian GP at Albert Park just days away, the team has another opportunity to learn more about their 2024 package.
AYAO KOMATSU: “SATISFIED WITH THE PROGRESS MADE WITH THE CAR AND THE SET-UP”
“After focusing our pre-season testing on race pace, our biggest weakness last year, we are quite satisfied with the progress made in terms of the car and set-up,” Ayao Komatsu explained. The Japanese engineer emphasised the significance of achieving good results at different layouts.
Even changes in asphalt, as seen between Bahrain and Jeddah, are significant. However, despite encouraging signs, Ayao Komatsu is reluctant to make any conclusions:
“Until we do four races, on four different tracks, with different tyres and climates, we will not be able to draw a concrete conclusion.”
After being appointed as team boss at the last minute, the 48-year-old is exceeding expectations. This is especially true since the VF-24 project started behind schedule.
Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen’s 100% Q2 record to start 2024 shows they are in a better place than many of their rivals in terms of performance.
After testing, Komatsu outlined the lower-end of points as a realistic aim for Haas F1 in the early rounds. This verdict following the Bahrain tests was already more optimistic than his comments from the VF-24 launch.
Melbourne will be an important circuit to collect data, where new challenges will arise:
“The degradation will not be as low as that of Jeddah, but not as high as that of Bahrain. It will also be the first time we use the C5 compound.
“Historically, we have struggled to get the tyres working in qualifying, so it will be interesting. Another important factor will be tyre graining, which we have not experienced seriously so far, so this will be another new challenge.”
KEVIN MAGNUSSEN: “COMPETITIVE IN THE RACE IN JEDDAH, WHICH IS OUR GOAL”
Although not enough to be a litmus test, a combination of factors makes the Melbourne circuit an important test for the single-seater. Komatsu explained that one of Australia’s peculiarities is the aerodynamic load similar to that of Bahrain, although it is not as rear-limited.
These differences confirm his assessment that four race weekends are needed to verify the car’s strengths and weaknesses.
Still, the climate within the American squad is cautiously optimistic following two positive weekends – especially in Saudi Arabia:
“On paper, the Jeddah circuit was probably not the best for us with its high-speed characteristics,” explained Kevin Magnussen.
“We were still relatively competitive, especially in the race. I had a good pace compared to others in the end, which is our goal this season.”
In Jeddah, the Dane had a car that was capable of fending off rivals for dozens of laps. To have a concrete result of the team’s progress, Nico Hulkenberg’s race must be analysed. It was the 36-year-old who secured the first point for Haas in 2024.
A length that takes on an even more important value if we consider the stable presence in the top ten of at least four teams with both cars, as well as the fact that there are still four teams without points.
“Everyone saw how much effort is needed from the midfield teams to fight for a top 10 result, and teamwork was definitely the key,” said the German driver with satisfaction.
