Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expects Kevin Magnussen to feel more comfortable in the team’s 2024 challenger. The US outfit is hopeful to help the Dane rediscover his best form this year.
It could be argued that criticising Magnussen’s performances last year is unfair. After all, the 31-year-old was hardly in the machinery capable of scoring points on a regular basis.
Aside from a handful of races to start the year in Jeddah, Australia and Miami (with Magnussen scoring points in two of these races), the VF-23 was rarely in points contention.
Although teammate Nico Hulkenberg was something of a revelation in qualifying, results were still poor for Guenther Steiner’s team.
As a result, it was mainly on Saturday that the Haas duo’s abilities were judged. In this regard, the German driver surprised many by extracting more from his car than the experienced Dane.
Given Magnussen’s experience at the American squad, this was generally an unexpected revelation. Again, it is unfair to suggest that the F1 podium finisher was comprehensively battered by his teammate.
He also enjoyed a handful of strong showing, holding his own across the teams.
2JTYPD8 Zandvoort, Netherlands . 02nd Sep, 2022. STEINER Guenther (ita), Team Principal of Haas F1 team, KOMATSU Ayao (jpn), Chief Engineer of Haas F1 Team, portrait during the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2022, 15th round of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship from September 2 to 4, 2022 on the Zandvoort Circuit, in Netherlands, Belgium – Photo: Florent Gooden / Dppi/DPPI/LiveMedia Credit: Independent Photo Agency/Alamy Live News
Komatsu on 2024 car
However, as explained by newly appointed Ayao Komatsu, this year’s car should be better suited to Magnussen’s driving style.
“I wouldn’t say eliminated, [his issues with the car], that’s a big word,” he told motorsport.com
“But certainly, we have improved on it.
“He’s a driver who needs good entry stability and consistent handling through a corner.”
Development will be a big talking point for Haas this year, owing to their recent history of regressing mid-season.
For Komatsu, addressing this weakness will be the priority. Of course, the Japanese engineer still operates within the previous constraints of the team.
A lack of resources and infrastructure will remain limiting factors.
However, Komatsu’s job is to try and maximise the tools currently at his disposal. The next two months will give the first indications on how far he can elevate Haas.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
