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Haas F1 Team Commends Oliver Bearman’s Performance at Japanese Grand Prix
Ayao Komatsu, the principal of the Haas Formula 1 team, has expressed admiration for the composure displayed by rookie driver Oliver Bearman, both on the circuit and in his interactions off it. This commendation comes after Bearman successfully secured a top 10 position in the recent Japanese Grand Prix.
Having entered the points previously at the Chinese Grand Prix due to the disqualifications of high-profile drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly, Bearman demonstrated his capabilities at Suzuka by qualifying for 10th place and maintaining that position through the race.
Both Bearman and Komatsu were taken aback by Bearman’s ability to progress past the first qualifying session, ultimately reaching the top 10 shootout. Komatsu noted that the achievement was particularly commendable since the team arrived in Japan with an experimental floor upgrade that had yet to be validated in race conditions.
In contrast to his more seasoned teammate, Esteban Ocon, Bearman managed to adapt effectively to the new setup, showcasing his skill in relaying important feedback to the engineering team. Komatsu remarked, “This is why we signed Ollie; his potential was evident from the very beginning. Our collaboration with him began in Mexico in 2023 when he was just 18, and he impressed us with his understanding and precise feedback.”
He added, “It’s not solely about speed; Ollie comprehends what is required, executes accordingly, and contributes significantly to the program. Therefore, while we are pleased, we are not surprised by his performance.” Komatsu highlighted that for Haas to execute the race successfully and for Bearman to secure 10th place was a notable achievement, resulting in much-deserved points for the team.
Reflecting on Friday’s practice sessions, Komatsu mentioned the initial lack of competitiveness and how the team focused on enhancing performance moving into qualifying. “Friday night was all about finding ways to get more out of the car and driver. After making some adjustments overnight, advancing to Q3 was remarkable,” he said.
While the introduction of the new floor represented a significant risk, Komatsu acknowledged that it ultimately proved beneficial. Despite this success, he emphasized that future developments would continue to follow a meticulous and deliberate process, rather than taking shortcuts. “If this upgrade hadn’t delivered results, we would have faced additional pressure and uncertainty. We understand the importance of carefully navigating our development strategy,” he stated.
Japanese Grand Prix Race Highlights
The achievements of Bearman and the team’s decisions underscore Haas’s ongoing commitment to development and performance in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. The balance of risk and reward will remain a critical consideration as they navigate their strategies in future races.
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