Komatsu: Haas F1 Team profitable for first time, target P6 in 2025

Looking ahead to the 2025 Formula 1 season, Komatsu outlined an ambitious target of finishing sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, alongside significant structural changes to the Haas F1 team’s trackside operations.

Komatsu revealed in an interview with F1.com: “This year is the first time that, as a company, Gene Haas doesn’t have to put his own money in. We haven’t been hitting the budget cap, [but] we are hitting it this year.

“So, we have a different challenge of making sure we stay within the budget cap. It’s great that we finally got here, but in terms of mindset, it’s the same thing as trackside engineering. We really had to change the mindset of everyone, what is acceptable and what we have to strive for. It’s the same with this budget thing.

“Before when we were under the budget cap, if we had money, we could spend it without worrying about it. Now we have to make sure we stay within the budget cap. So it’s a whole different mindset. But if you want to be competitive, that’s the minimum where you should be."

“So, finally, it feels like we’re ticking many boxes – start doing TPC, be on the budget cap and being profitable. With the prize money from last year, sponsorship money etc, this year, Gene shouldn’t have to put his money in. It’s the first time," explained the Haas F1 team boss.

Komatsu’s ambitions for 2025 are underpinned by key technical figures including Technical Director Andrea de Sordo, Head of Aerodynamics Davide Raganelli, Chief Designer Tom Coupland, and Deputy Chief Designer Jonathan Heal. However, he acknowledged that Haas needed significant restructuring in its trackside operations, describing it as “one of the weakest areas.”

Sweeping personnel changes—the most extensive since Haas entered F1 in 2016—have been made to address this. Laura Mueller and Ronan O’Hare have been promoted from within to become race engineers for their all new driver line-up of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, replacing the outgoing Mark Slade and Gary Gannon.

The team has also appointed a new Chief Race Engineer, Francesco Nenci, filling a position that had been vacant for a year. Additional reinforcements include Mark Lowe returning as Sporting Director in a newly created role, while Carine Cridelich has been named Head of Strategy.

“There are still so many things we need to do. We finished P7 in 2024. Yes, the target is P6 in 2025, but we haven’t achieved that consistent result, so even fighting for the same position, P6/P7, would be a huge achievement,” Komatsu admitted.

With Haas now operating at full budget capacity and turning a profit, Komatsu believes the team is positioned to take the next step in its Formula 1 journey.

However, he remains realistic about the challenges ahead, particularly as they integrate their revamped trackside structure while battling the F1 midfield competition.