Ayao Komatsu and Haas expecting ‘huge challenge’ at F1 Italian Grand Prix

Haas heads to Monza hoping to track down VCARB in the F1 standings

In the wake of an ... interesting weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix Haas is finally en route to the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.

And they are expecting a “huge challenge” once they arrive in Monza.

The legendary circuit has undergone some changes since the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. In addition to the track being resurfaced, changes include a widening of the first chicane (Rettifilo) as well as alterations to the curbs making this year’s Italian Grand Prix a voyage of discovery for all ten teams.

Team Principal Ayao Komatsu noted those changes in Haas’ media preview of the Italian Grand Prix.

“The biggest challenge for us in Monza will be the changes to the track; the resurfacing, changes to curbs and cambers of the track,” said Komatsu. “How the car will be able to ride the curbs in terms of car set-up, I think will be a different requirement this year.”

Komatsu also highlighted the differences the teams face coming from Zandvoort, a high downforce circuit, to Monza, where power is king.

“Our biggest challenge will be as well as it being a low downforce circuit, so normally when you go to Monza you run low downforce, it’s a heavy braking circuit as well so drivers really struggle with braking stability,” said Komatsu. “Normally that’s what you have to get on top of straight away, but this year both team and driver will have the challenge of adapting our set-up for the new circuit requirements.

“Coming from Zandvoort which is a maximum high-downforce circuit, it’s a very different challenge. It’s a circuit where you can overtake, so the importance of qualifying versus the race is also very different to Zandvoort as well. It will be a huge challenge but the same for everyone, and one we’re looking forward to.”

Drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen hailed the environment at Monza, as legions of Ferrari fans will pour into the legendary circuit to support their heroes of speed.

“Monza is the last real high-speed circuit that we have on the calendar, and that’s always special because it’s a bit of a stand-out,” said Hülkenberg. “Monza for me is very special, it has an amazing atmosphere with the park, with the fans – the Tifosi – and all the heritage and history that is around Monza is really fun and makes it a special race.”

“It’s a historic race and track, and it has a very unique atmosphere. The vibe there with the Tifosi, ultra passionate fans, so I’m looking forward to that and the unique type of racing Monza offers with the long straights. Hopefully, we’ll be competitive there, our car has been quick on straights,” said Magnussen. It’s unique because there are some high-speed corners and it’s low downforce, so the car is dancing around a little more and it’s always a different feeling driving the car around Monza.

“Mechanically it’s quite important to get the car dialed in, there are some new changes to the track, especially the curbs, that are going to be significant because if they change, you may be able to use them differently and that will change the feel of the track.”

Haas enters the Italian Grand Prix still chasing Visa Cash App RB F1 Team for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship standings. VCARB holds a slim seven-point advantage over Haas in that fight, and both teams were shut out of the points in Zandvoort.

Haas is hoping to change that at the “Temple of Speed.”