Komatsu explains what Haas must fix to keep moving forward
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Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has emphasized the urgent need for the American squad to expand its human resources, ensuring that its existing workforce is not stretched beyond sustainable limits.
Despite recent efforts to increase personnel, Haas remains the smallest team on the grid in terms of headcount.
The team currently operates with approximately 330 employees – significantly fewer than competitors such as Williams, which boasts over 1,000 staff members.
While Haas has long prided itself on efficiency and a strong work ethic, Komatsu believes the current structure is not viable in the long run.
"I don't think so, because look at the numbers – 330 people, it's nowhere," Komatsu said when asked if Haas is competing on equal footing with other teams.
The Hidden Strain Behind Haas' Performance
The Haas chief praised the dedication of his staff, highlighting their ability to perform multiple roles while maintaining high standards.
He pointed to the team's seamless execution of its recent Testing of Previous Cars programme earlier this month in Jerez as proof of their commitment.
"What is amazing about this team is we're asking a lot from everyone," Komatsu continued, quoted by RACER. "People are doing one or two or three jobs.
"The TPC … 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."
New Challenges with Each Step Forward
Komatsu acknowledged that every time the team takes a step forward, new challenges arise, increasing the demands on personnel.
While motivation remains high due to visible progress in recruitment and budget, he warned that long-term success requires structural reinforcements.
"Every time we try to improve, the minute you think I'm stabilized, we're doing more, we're making improvements. It's challenging for everyone.
"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.
"But at the same time, we as top management, need to make sure we provide an environment and resource which is sustainable."
Setting Realistic Targets While Aiming Higher
Haas concluded the 2024 season in seventh place in the Constructors' Championship.
While the team has set its sights on finishing sixth in 2025, Komatsu admitted that consistently achieving such a result would already be a major step forward.
"Still so many things we need to do. We finished P7 – we talked about this year's target," he said.
"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."
Budget Cap Limit Hit
One positive development for Haas is that the team will operate at the limit of the budget cap this season, eliminating the need for owner Gene Haas to inject additional funds.
Komatsu revealed that Gene Haas was particularly pleased with the team's performance last season, even though they narrowly missed out on their goal.
"Gene was very happy at the end of last season," explained the Japanese engineer.
"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.
"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.
"You know, 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."
With Haas committed to expanding its workforce and maximizing its resources, Komatsu hopes that a stronger foundation will allow the team to achieve its ambitions without putting excessive strain on its personnel.
The balance between growth, sustainability, and competitiveness will be key to Haas' long-term success in Formula 1.
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