Haas focusing on fundamentals as they target double points in Suzuka

After banking momentum from the opening 2 rounds in Australia and China, Haas arrive in Japan believing they have already shown enough adaptability to stay competitive on very different circuits. Komatsu expects Suzuka to present a fresh test after Shanghai, but said the team’s early form has provided a solid platform.

He said: “The Japanese Grand Prix is another one of our home races, this season returning with our title partner TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, so it’s a really big race for us. We’re motivated to carry on the momentum we got from the first two races, and I think the team is working really, really well.”

Komatsu underlined the approach Haas want to take into the weekend: “Suzuka will pose a very different challenge from Shanghai, but at least so far on two different circuits, we’ve managed to adapt our approach well to get the best out of our car and drivers. Our target in Suzuka is to again focus on the fundamentals and then try to get both cars into point double points, that’s what we’re aiming for.”

That is a realistic target if Haas can repeat the operational sharpness they showed at the start of the season. Suzuka’s high speed layout, especially the flowing opening sector, will ask very different questions of the VF-26, but the team appear to believe their car has enough consistency to stay in the fight.

The weekend also carries extra significance away from the track, with Haas set to reveal a special Godzilla themed livery in Tokyo as part of their Japan programme.

Komatsu said: “I’m also really excited to see all the Japanese fans as we unveil our special Godzilla-themed livery in Tokyo. This collaboration is a first and is truly exciting, it really shows a part of who we are as a team and our identity, so I hope fans enjoy this fun livery.”

Bearman also leaned into the occasion, pointing to Japan’s importance for the team and the added attention around the one-off design. He said: “I love that Japan is another ‘home’ race for TGR Haas F1 Team, it’s the most spectacular city, the fans are so passionate, and for a second year in a row we’re revealing a very special livery. I feel that partnering with Godzilla is something only Haas could do, we do things our way, and it’s really quite something.”

On track, though, the British rookie kept the focus on performance. Bearman said: “Looking to the track, it’s one of the best circuits in the world. It’s fast, flowing, and you need to be precise. The VF-26 has proven to be a consistent car over the first two races, and the start of this season has been a great one. We need to keep up this momentum heading into April, this team is doing great things right now and we need showcase their hard work on track.”

Ocon was equally positive heading into one of the calendar’s most demanding circuits, describing Suzuka as the best track in Formula 1 and stressing the importance of building through the weekend.

He said: “I’m very excited to be back in beautiful Japan and race in Suzuka this weekend. The fans in Japan are always amazing and for me Suzuka is the best circuit on the calendar. The first sector, which is very fast and flowing, is one of the best combinations of corners anywhere. It’s an old-school track where I’ve had some good results in the past so I can’t wait to get going again.”

Like Komatsu, Ocon tied the atmosphere around the event to the team’s ambitions on Sunday: “I know there will be plenty of fans cheering for TGR Haas F1 Team. We also have a cool Godzilla partnership and livery this week, so we’ll be hoping to build up throughout the weekend and leave on Sunday night with a solid haul of points for the team.”

For Haas, that is the key line going into Suzuka. The colour and noise around their Japan weekend will draw attention, but the real objective is harder and more important: execute cleanly, stay sharp on fundamentals, and convert early promise into another double points result.