Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu discussed two heated talking points, the heat forecasted for the weekend and Horner speculations ahead of the F1 Singapore GP.
Extra hardships in store for Haas’s 2025 driver lineup
It will be a challenging weekend for drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman. In fact, for the 2025 F1 Singapore GP the first heat hazard declaration was issued, warning that temperatures over 31 degrees Celsius can be expected for the race.
Many drivers are considering heat protection measures in order to protect themselves from the intensity of the weather. Singapore has always been a very intense happening for all the personnel involved, being up with Qatar for the most impactful racing weekend on a physical level.
Komatsu isn’t looking forward to additional difficulties for his team, but on the other hand he is glad that Ocon and Bearman have already had the chance to test the refreshing equipment ahead of the 2025 F1 Singapore GP.
“To be fair, I’m not keeping up to date in terms of how much modification we made. But, at least the effectiveness of it, it was totally clear for both drivers. It was amazing. So, when we did a TPC in Fuji in the middle of summer, we wanted to put it. But, of course, you can’t.”
While mourning the missed testing opportunity in the perfect weather conditions in the earlier Fuji test carried out on the 6th and 7th of August, Komatsu still praised the cooling innovation.
“It’s a bit silly, right?This is not like aerodevelopment or anything. And then, Fuji in Japan, August, it’s stinking hot. But, we are not allowed to do it.”
Nevertheless, the Japanese is sure the introduction of the new refrigerating system will have a positive impact, with his on track coworkers confirming the sensation.
“Yeah, this is very, very good. I remember the first time Esteban came out of the car and said, It’s like I haven’t driven. It’s amazing.So, it’s really positive.”
Horner in Haas?
Additionally, Komatsu addressed the rumours concerning former Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner ahead of the 2025 F1 Singapore GP. The Brit, who has very recently left the 8 times championship winning team, has been linked to a prompt return to the top single seaters championship.
Komatsu confirmed that Horner has reached out to him and his team, but refused to further evaluate on the topic.
Yeah, it is true that he approached us. And then one of our guys had a exploratory, let’s say, talk. Then that’s it. Nothing is going any further.
