Haas F1’s Internal Revamp Pays Off Despite Teething Issues
In the latest developments in Formula 1 news, Haas F1 Team’s drastic changes to its technical team and infrastructure are showing promising signs, despite some early teething issues. After a disappointing 2022 season, owner Gene Haas decided not to renew Guenther Steiner’s contract, opting for a more engineering-led approach under Ayao Komatsu.
Komatsu, formerly the team’s senior engineer, has implemented a restructuring of the technical team, promoting Damien Brayshaw to the newly-created post of Head of Vehicle Performance. This mirrors a role employed by most other teams, aimed at improving communication and efficiency between the team’s different facilities.
Ferrari loanee Simone Resta left his role as technical director, replaced by former chief designer Andrea De Zordo. Both internal promotions suggest Komatsu’s faith in the team’s existing staff, rather than feeling the need to poach high-profile employees from elsewhere.
Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, Komatsu emphasized the importance of open communication and accountability within the team. He welcomed the opportunity to learn from mistakes, citing a communication error that led to the team’s Monaco-spec rear wings failing scrutineering as a valuable example.
“I think it’s one of the main changes, in a positive way… We speak a lot more. We do a lot more meetings together.” – Andrea De Zordo
Improved communication between the team’s different hubs and departments has been a key aspect of why Haas seems to be more on top of its car projects. De Zordo praised the new approach, saying, “I think it’s one of the main changes, in a positive way… We speak a lot more. We do a lot more meetings together.”
Brayshaw, who now oversees the performance departments, admitted that the new structure still comes with its teething issues but has already delivered tangible benefits. “There’s been a big focus on effectively communicating amongst other departments… and trying to build trust,” he said.
Haas’ VF-24 car has provided a solid platform to start from, with consistent race pace without destroying tires. This has allowed the team to exploit the car’s intrinsic pace, keeping them in the mix for points from the start of the year.
The development battle in the midfield has nudged Red Bull Racing further ahead, with Komatsu demanding an aggressive upgrade path to keep up. Brayshaw explained, “Ayao was very keen to aggressively develop the car because we see everybody else is progressing… We’ve got a very efficient car, and that’s been a really positive step over the winter.”
With the Canadian Grand Prix just around the corner, Haas F1 will be looking to continue its upward trajectory in the Formula 1 standings. As the team continues to learn from its mistakes and improve communication, it’s likely to be an exciting second half of the Formula 1 season.
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