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(Source: Haas F1)
This year has been an exceptional season for the American sleeping giant 'Haas F1'. We saw some of the best team coordination work between drivers and engineers. From finishing last in the 2023 season to fighting for 6th place in 2024 was extraordinary. It was all due to a remarkable leader, Ayao Komatsu, who brought everything for the team and held them together all season.
Haas F1 was outstanding
Ayao Komatsu comments on his appointment as Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.#HaasF1pic.twitter.com/n7mRVI86GF
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) January 10, 2024
Their drivers helping each other and working together with the mechanics and engineers without any ego or hesitation were exceptional to witness during every race. The team culture under newly appointed team principal Ayao Komatsu was brilliant, all thanks to the Japanese work culture. After taking over the team from Guenther Steiner, many wrongly judged him. He changed every member of the team into a team man.
Especially after the Toyota Gazoo racing partnership, the team vibes and energy went another level. We can see it in the race results of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen. The team handled pressure better than many top teams on the grid, which is rare in Formula 1.
Also Read: Kick Sauber F1 2024 Team Analysis: A Bright Future ahead, but a long way to go
Toyota Gazoo Racing partnership crucial
Starting off our Technical Partnership at the home of Toyota 🇯🇵
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) October 11, 2024
Sharing our news as we look to contribute to the development of the automotive industry together 🤜🤛#HaasF1#F1pic.twitter.com/KmyXdBOFjf
The only team on the grid working tirelessly with a minimum budget was the Haas F1. But they exceeded their expectations and beat teams like Williams Racing and RB Bulls, who had all the resources and money. With the new Toyota partnership, Haas can now use all the facilities and resources of the Japanese auto giant and improve their performance drastically for next year. In 2023, the Haas F1 team scored only 12 points and was last in the constructors championship.
But this year they are one of the fastest teams, and they even challenged Aston Martin's and Alpine's on many occasions. The Toyota partnership is a big boost for them, as the Japanese engineers will assist them with aerodynamic designs and technical expertise from Toyota Gazoo racing. In return, Haas will let the Japanese crew into their garage and help them learn more about race engineering and technology.
Also Read: Williams F1 2024 Team Analysis: Surged super high but fell to rock bottom
Amazing drivers and impressive performance
The two outgoing drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, are exceptional in their driving. They did amazingly well and scored points consistently. Only the Brazilian Grand Prix podium helped Alpine lead Haas to finish in 6th place among the constructors. Other than that, Nico and Kevin worked very hard for the team to bring more points than the Alpines.
In particular, Nico Hulkenberg was outstanding and scored back-to-back 6th-place finishes in the Austrian and British Grand Prix. He stood tall during the Abu Dhabi qualifying, where he qualified 4th ahead of Max Verstappen but, due to a grid penalty, moved to eighth behind Gasly. It cost Haas F1 teams 6th place in the constructors championship.
Kevin Magnussen was more like a wingman to his partner and was always ready to help his teammate finish in the Top 10. Even during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Kevin was amazing until Valtteri Bottas collided with him and spoilt his race.
Time for the Sleeping giant to awake
The Haas F1 team is the sleeping giant in Formula 1, and they could awaken soon. With the new engine regulations coming in 2026, they can become the new leader in F1. Two new drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, are also very promising. They could also have Formula 1's first women race engineer guiding their drivers, which shows more about their team's diverse culture under Komatsu.
The American and Japanese collaboration could exceed our expectations next year, and we shouldn't be surprised as Toyota is known for leaving big footmarks in racing. They are one of the top teams in endurance racing, and their expertise and partnership could help Haas F1 to make the 'Giant leap' forward and move to the next level of fighting for the podiums and championship.
Also read: Why do Formula 1 drivers care more about their racing numbers? Explained