F1 Explains Ask Haas - with Ocon, Bearman, Komatsu, Mueller + Crone
Nov 7, 2025
Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, shares insights on Haas's strategic partnership with Ferrari and how it shapes their competitiveness. He discusses the significance of Cadillac's entry into F1 in 2026 and contrasts private teams with corporate manufacturers. Courtney Crone, an F1 Academy driver backed by Haas, reveals how the team supports her development. The conversation also highlights how race engineers tackle car problems in real-time and the collaborative dynamics between rookie and experienced drivers.
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Haas Leveraged Ferrari To Jumpstart Competitiveness
- Haas bought as many parts as regulations allow from Ferrari to accelerate competitiveness when starting the team.
- Ayao Komatsu says this model let Haas focus development on aerodynamics while relying on Ferrari foundations.
Cadillac Adds A New American Dimension
- Cadillac joining F1 in 2026 adds a corporate American team alongside Haas's private model.
- Komatsu says this contrast creates differentiation and benefits the sport's global growth.
Small Team, Global Footprint
- Haas runs under 350 staff and is the smallest team on the grid compared with 900–1,000 at larger teams.
- Komatsu outlines split bases: Italy for car manufacture, UK for operations and communications, and North Carolina presence.