Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is relying on strong, transparent communication to build a fruitful relationship with his new signing Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman, who is set to join Haas in 2025 and is currently known for his turbulent time at Alpine, has been the subject of conversations about his past on-track controversies, particularly the Monaco incident with teammate Pierre Gasly.
Komatsu has a long career in various technical and management positions in Formula 1, including race engineer and technical director. He stressed the need for clear boundaries and open dialogue.
“Honestly, I think a lot of it comes down to transparency, trust and then clarity of the rules of engagement,” explained Komatsu. “Not in my current position, but I have been in Formula 1 for quite a long time – in my various roles as race engineer, chief race engineer, technical director or in my current position as team principal.”
“My experience is that as long as I approach them with transparency, do not pursue a personal agenda, but have a clear team agenda about how we have to get through this race weekend or this year, what the goal is, what the rules of engagement are… As long as that is clarified in advance, as long as the communication is completely transparent, the trust is there.”
Komatsu added: “When the trust is there, I haven’t actually experienced any problems that got out of control. So personally, I’m not worried.”
This approach comes against the backdrop of Ocon’s controversial past, including the clash with Gasly in Monaco that jeopardised their races. During negotiations it was clear this was a problem, with Komatsu noting: “Of course we had to take this into account.”
But despite past incidents, Komatsu expressed confidence in the team’s new line-up, which will see Ocon team up with rookie and Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman following the retirement of Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen in 2025.
Komatsu’s strategy goes beyond mere damage limitation. He sees Ocon’s commitment to the Haas project as remarkably positive.
“He’s only 27, he still has a lot to prove and to me he still has incredible commitment and work ethic,” Komatsu said.
“When I met him and explained the project, where we are and what we want to achieve, I didn’t try to convince him, I just told him how it is. And then he was all in, honestly, much more than I expected.” Komatsu added that Ocon’s proactive interest was a big plus.
“He was so committed, he wanted to be part of this project and he believes in this project. It means a lot to me that we have a driver – an experienced driver – with a good track record, who is still young, still has a lot to prove and who believes 100 percent in the project.
“I’m sure he will do his best, so I’m really looking forward to it.”