Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has asserted that the team must expand its existing workforce to avoid members enduring a “breakdown” during the Formula 1 season.
The American outfit finished seventh in the Constructors’ Standings last season in Komatsu’s debut season as team boss – its best championship result since 2018.
The result is even more impressive when it is appreciated that Haas beat more established rivals with a smaller working contingent, despite making recent additions.
In comparison, Williams, which finished below Haas in last season’s championship, now boasts 1000 team members through the rebuild that James Vowles is leading.
Komatsu has expressed that he takes pride in the collective work ethic at Haas, but he warned that demanding such effort isn’t “sustainable” over a 24-round calendar.
“I don’t think so, because look at the numbers – 330 people, it’s nowhere,” Komatsu told Racer.com.
“What is amazing about this team is we’re asking a lot from everyone – people are doing one or two or three jobs.
“The TPC [in Jerez earlier this month], it was so smooth, no issues, everything on time, like we’ve been doing it for five years.
“But that’s only because people go the extra mile, being proactive and thinking ahead.
“But I feel bad, I can’t rely on that as a baseline, that’s not sustainable. We cannot drive people to a breakdown.
“We have to increase the resource capability so we can achieve those things without feeling like you’re going to collapse.
“Every time we try to improve, the minute you think I’m stabilised, we’re doing more, we’re making improvements. It’s challenging for everyone.”
Haas targets sixth place in 2025
Haas will have a new line-up in 2025 as Nico Hulkenberg has headed to Sauber as it prepares to morph into Audi, while Kevin Magnussen’s contract wasn’t renewed.
Instead, Esteban Ocon, a long-time Alpine stalwart, and rookie Oliver Bearman, who has been touted as a future Ferrari driver, will head the team’s charge this season.
The Kannapolis-based squad’s endeavours to improve in the upcoming campaign will be boosted as it will operate at the cost cap without owner Gene Haas investing.
Komatsu has said that such developments, coupled with the team’s improvement last term, have provided it with added motivation as it targets sixth place in 2025.
“Yes people are motivated because all those things (recruitment and budget) are positive, they can see the team moving forward – that’s why they go the extra mile,” he continued.
“But at the same time, we as top management, need to make sure we provide an environment and resource which is sustainable.
“Still so many things we need to do.
“We finished P7 – we talked about this year’s target.
“Yes, the target is P6, but we haven’t achieved that consistent result, so even fighting for P6, P7, fighting for the same position that would be a huge achievement.”
Komatsu ‘pleasantly surprised’ by Gene Haas praise
Haas appeared on course to clinch that target last season until Alpine’s resurgence – which included a double podium in Brazil – saw the Anglo-French marque edge ahead.
Nevertheless, Gene Haas applauded the team’s efforts despite the disappointment once the chequered flag dropped in Abu Dhabi, which came as a surprise to Komatsu.
“Gene was very happy at the end of last season,” he recalled.
“Honestly, I thought he’d be unhappy that we couldn’t get P6, but [in Abu Dhabi] I finished the race and then said thank you to the guys, and by the time I walked out of the back of the garage, I already had a message from Gene congratulating us.
“So that was a that was very nice to hear
“So I called him and straight away he just said ‘Many congratulations, it’s an amazing achievement’.
“Which honestly you don’t get often from Gene at all!
“So I was pleasantly really surprised and grateful about his comments.
“But of course, he’s very competitive, he wants more of course.
“So, yes, he’s sitting there, always pushing me to set an ambitious target, but my job is really trying to set a realistic target.”
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