Formula 1 Returns for Canadian Grand Prix
Formula 1 is gearing up for action this week at the Canadian Grand Prix, marking a significant occasion for the Haas team—it’s their 200th race since entering the sport in 2016.
In speaking about this milestone, team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the pride that the entire team should feel. “Montreal is our 200th race,” he said, noting that while it might not feel exactly like a 100th celebration, ten seasons in the sport are quite a journey. “It’s a milestone we’re all proud of, even if it’s hard to articulate,” he added.
Komatsu went on to express the ongoing quest for improvement within the team. “We feel like we’re competing in a different race altogether. While we’re not quite satisfied with just fighting in the midfield and not scoring points regularly, I think that’s a positive sign,” he remarked.
The team has set ambitious goals, aiming for a strong showing in the midfield during the race in Montreal. “We aspire to be ahead in the midfield,” Komatsu stated. “There’s a lot happening within the team right now. We really hope that for our 200th race, we can celebrate a points finish. Montreal is the perfect place for that—it’s an amazing city with a vibrant circuit and fantastic atmosphere.”
Additionally, to commemorate the 200th race, the team has unveiled a special gray design for the Canadian Grand Prix, reminiscent of their debut race in 2016.
Earlier this season, Haas introduced an upgrade package at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in mid-May. Though they didn’t score points at Imola, Esteban Ocon’s seventh place finish at Monaco the following week helped add six important points to their total. As they head to Montreal, Haas is currently sitting in 26 points, just two behind the sixth-placed Visa Cash App Race Bulls.
Komatsu believes the upgrades have made a positive impact but notes that judging overall performance is tricky. “I think the improvements from Imola have enhanced our high-speed performance and that the car is indeed better,” he commented. “However, it’s challenging to draw clear conclusions since competitiveness varies. In Montreal, we’ll see how it plays out. Maybe high-speed corners won’t be as prevalent, focusing more on linear speed and traction.”
Despite this, Komatsu is optimistic about securing points at this race. “We’ve managed to score in all recent races, from Melbourne to Jeddah, so I don’t think Montreal will be any different,” he said.
