Ayao Komatsu, new director of Haas: “I’m not trying to be Steiner”
Haas F1 Team owner Gene Haas made headlines when he replaced Günther Steiner with Ayao Komatsu as team principal. The Japanese driver then looked ahead to his new position and described his way of working.
Ayao Komatsu has a lot on his plate. Named team manager of Haas F1 Team, the Japanese must revive a team that hasn’t been making progress for a few seasons. In his first interview since taking office, Komatsu spoke to the media at Haas’ British base located in Banbury.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the positive support I have received,” he said. “Everyone has been very positive, excited, and supportive, so I am really enthusiastic about what we can improve with the people we have here.”
(I) I know that there are so many talented guys of great quality here, so I really wanted to provide them with the environment and the framework for them to show the best of themselves. So I’m really excited, (said) the new director of the American team.
I am not trying to be Steiner.
Günther Steiner, who played a crucial role in building the team from its inception until the end of last season, is an eccentric character who has become a star of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series. Komatsu has a very different personality, but he doesn’t see it as a disadvantage. “Of course, I’m not trying to be Günther Steiner!” he declares.
The relationship between the two men has always been marked by a great respect, on and off the tracks. But Komatsu has a different personality than his former director, and he doesn’t want to take over.
He has strengths and weaknesses that are very different from mine. I am not trying to be someone else, and Gene knows that. If Gene wanted a replacement for Steiner in that way, he would have appointed someone else, he expresses. I understand that Gene wants something different, and I will try to be the best version of myself rather than trying to be someone else, he says.
A more technical management
While acknowledging his lack of experience as a team manager, Komatsu noted during the conversation with owner Gene Haas that the latter was aspiring for a change in direction, preferring a leader focused on technical aspects. A subsequent hiring, possibly for an operations manager role, would then be considered to take on additional responsibilities. Responsibilities such as marketing, for example, a field that Komatsu admits to not being proficient in.
« Not having a operations manager at the moment doesn’t slow us down,” he says. « But looking towards the future, we clearly need one, and this person must consistently lead this area. However, it’s better to get the right person than to rush and settle for something we’re not sure about.”
« I could then focus on the technical side, trying to establish an organization to improve the technical side of the team,” he says. »
Difficult last seasons
The regulatory change in 2026 will provide Haas with an opportunity to take a step forward after a difficult period. However, Komatsu knows that they cannot wait that long before showing improvements. Their boss is clearly frustrated with their team’s recent seasons and wants to see Komatsu step up their game.
Gene currently wants to get out of the back of the pack, says Komatsu. Obviously, you saw and heard how unhappy Gene was. Of course, who would be happy to compete in last place? It’s embarrassing, truly embarrassing, he admits.
But the Japanese director wants to turn this frustration felt by his boss into something beneficial for the whole team. « I think it’s positive that Gene is not satisfied with where we are. In fact, it’s motivating for everyone here. Alright, Gene is serious, he wants to improve the team, so let’s do it together. »
Komatsu still thinks that Gene Haas will give him time. « It is part of my job to ensure that Gene gets involved and understands what we are dealing with here », he adds.
Progress step by step
Despite these recent challenging seasons, Komatsu continues to instill vital confidence in everyone working on the race car. “I truly believe that with what we have, we can do a better job, for sure,” he said. “With the people and the ideas they bring, if we bring them together, I am confident that we can do a much better job.”
Before thinking about developing the car and searching for its limit, the Japanese admit that they will first have to progress step by step and start by improving what is not right today. « Whatever we learn during the year 2024, I am sure it will help us clearly define what we are doing in five years, eight years, ten years », he announces.
Finally, Komatsu focuses on the communication aspect, which will always be a problem at Haas. The three available sites for the team (Kannapolis in the United States, Banbury in the United Kingdom, and Maranello in Italy) will not solve this issue anytime soon, but he believes that the team can improve in this regard.
“Of course, disagreements happen everywhere,” he continues. “I believe it’s important, rather than people not understanding why we are going in this direction […]. Once again, it comes down to communication,” he concludes.
Haas will launch its new 2024 race car during two shakedowns in Silverstone and Bahrain before starting pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit on February 21st.
