F1 News: New Haas Team Boss Sends Strong Message To Drivers For 2024 - "No Bullsh*t"

Ayao Komatsu gets straight to business in his first month as Haas team principal.

New Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has outlined his "straightforward" managerial approach for the 2024 season, making it clear to drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg that the team can't afford to waste time. 

Recently, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner's exit from the sport shocked the world of Formula 1 after he was ousted on performance grounds by team owner Gene Haas. The popular ex-team boss had earned a reputation for his candid and transparent leadership methods, courtesy of Netflix's Drive to Survive docuseries. 

Komatsu, who was the director of trackside engineering, was promoted to the role of team boss. Quite naturally, while his team management style, particularly regarding the drivers, was previously undisclosed, he has now revealed a preference for a direct and transparent approach.

When asked about his relationship with the drivers, he stated they have a transparent and positive working rapport due to their mutual understanding. He told Motorsport.com:

“Obviously, I’ve known Kevin [Magnussen] for some years. 

“Nico [Hulkenberg], I really enjoyed working with him last year. I didn’t know him before.

“Although actually, when I was working with Lotus, he came for a seat fit – I can’t remember which year – and he remembered that as well.

“They both know that I’m quite straightforward. I say what I think. Not being aggressive or anything, but no bullsh*t, it’s just that we haven’t got time to waste. 

“They know exactly where I am then, where they are, and we work well together. In terms of our strengths and weaknesses, we understand each other pretty well. We’ve got a good open and transparent dialogue, so I’m happy with that.” 

Speaking of Magnussen, the team boss hopes the new car will allow him to prove himself better. When asked if Haas managed to eliminate the shortcomings of its previous challenger on the 2024 car, Komatsu added:

“I wouldn’t say eliminated, that’s a big word.

“But certainly, we have improved on it.

“He’s a driver who needs good entry stability and consistent handling through a corner.”

Haas Press Image