Ayao Komatsu said Haas team owner Gene Haas is already increasing investment in the team as it aims to continue its strong start heading into the Japanese Grand Prix of the 2024 season.
Komatsu's previous team principal, Günther Steiner, stepped down over the winter and cited a lack of investment in the team's infrastructure as one of the disagreements that led to his departure. When he was announced as the Miami Grand Prix ambassador last week, Steiner said Haas had performed well this year but had “no vision for the next step”. However, Komatsu, who took over as team principal in January, said he had already confirmed further commitments from the team owner.
“He was officially appointed on January 10th, and Gene's message from day one was clear,” Komatsu said. “He said he would invest because he had money, but we have to show him that we can use that money responsibly and efficiently. He doesn't want to see anything wasted. . There's a reason he's a billionaire. He doesn't like wasting money.
“We have a lot of things we can improve on. So I wasn't too worried about his first message. 'Come on, guys, show me you're using my money responsibly, and then get a certain position. and then we'll think about investing.'' But it's true that once we get to that stage, he will invest.
“He has already ordered a new campervan for next year, which is no small investment, but we are doing it. We are also currently recruiting, and with a workforce of our size, We have quite a few new hires approved for our staff. So Gene is now doing what he told me to do. So I'm not worried about him not investing. He will invest, but we have to do our part to exercise his financial responsibility.”
Komatsu admits that some aspects of the additional investment have not affected the car's performance, but it could show that it is using Haas's budget efficiently and that other aspects will continue. I admitted that I did.
“No, the motorhome was already approved before we even drove the car,” admitted Komatsu, who helped the team score points in two of the first three races. “Gene said to me, 'We need to spend this money more wisely,' so that's what I'm trying to do. It's just one step at a time. Nothing's going to happen overnight, but with Gene His right-hand man is very enthusiastic and very supportive.
“Honestly, this new recruitment will help. For the size of our team, we have quite a lot of people. Maybe it's not for Mercedes, but they approved everything. So if you don't mind. Well, we're slowly trying to regain trust.”
