Ayao Komatsu says Haas Formula 1 team must rediscover consistency in Austrian Grand Prix
F1 NewsMonday, 22 June 2026 at 18:44
Ayao Komatsu says Haas must rediscover the consistency that delivered points in four of the opening five races of the season as the American team heads into a crucial run of four races in five weekends, beginning with this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
The Haas team principal admitted frustration with the squad's recent performances but believes the upcoming double-header in Austria and Britain offers an opportunity to better understand the VF-26 and return to the level shown earlier in the campaign.
Komatsu said: "Despite frustrations with our results in the past two events, the benefit of this part of the season is the volume of races we have in a relatively short period of time. We're heading into another double-header with Austria and Great Britain back-to-back.
"Obviously, they're two very different circuits but both offer us an opportunity to further develop our understanding of the VF-26.
"As I said though, we're really looking forward to the next few weeks with four races in five weekends. We're going to be kept extremely busy but that's the challenge.
"It's imperative we keep pushing to be better operationally and deliver the kind of results we know we're capable of. Having scored points in four of the first five events this season, we need to find that level of consistency again."
Struggles following a promising start
Haas enjoyed a promising start to the season but has struggled to maintain that momentum in recent rounds, leaving the team eager to make progress before Formula 1 heads into its summer break.
Ollie Bearman believes the next two double-headers will be important for Haas as it seeks to turn improved understanding of the car into stronger results.
Bearman said: "As we get into the final two double-headers before the break, there's a lot we as a team need to accomplish before we can leave for summer satisfied.
"These are tracks we all have a lot of experience at, so we must come into each weekend knowing our targets and put quite simply, meet them. I know everyone is working incredibly hard, I can feel we're learning and understanding more each day, it's just about putting it all together consistently.
"The Red Bull Ring is a fun track to drive, it's one of the fastest of the year, not to mention the scenery is a standout part of the weekend – we don't race anywhere prettier."
Esteban Ocon is also looking forward to returning to one of Formula 1's shortest and fastest venues, where preparation and execution are expected to be critical.
Ocon said: "It's good to be back racing in Austria, one of the classic tracks on the calendar. The Red Bull Ring has a good flow of corners with big undulations, and it's a pleasure to drive.
"The atmosphere in the Austrian countryside is also pretty special, and the fans always show some good support.
"We've prepared well for this weekend, working with the engineers and being in the simulator. We know we'll have to start the weekend strong, execute cleanly, and build up well to qualifying and the race."
As part of Haas' rookie driver programme, reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa will take over Ocon's VF-26 during Free Practice 1 at the Red Bull Ring.
Hirakawa takes part in FP1
The Japanese driver completed four FP1 appearances for Haas in 2025 and will make his first outing of the 2026 season fresh from a podium finish for Toyota at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Hirakawa said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and TGR Haas F1 Team for this opportunity. It's going to be my first FP1 session of the season, and it's been awhile since I've driven around the Red Bull Ring.
"I think it's the perfect track for me to drive the VF-26 for the first time because it has everything – straight lines as well as low- and high-speed corners, so it's going to be a fun experience. I'm really excited and I can't wait to get in there as a 60-minute practice session is so short.
"The aim is to get used to the car as fast as possible and to collect as much data so I can support the team in the best way I can."
Commenting in Hirakawa's FP1 outing, Komatsu said: "We're going to get Ryō in the car for FP1 in Austria, so it'll be good to get his feedback as he hasn't driven the VF-26 yet.
"He's coming to us fresh from a Le Mans podium in WEC with Toyota, which was great to see, and he's been a key part of our TPC program again this season," he concluded.
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