Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu Discusses the Unique Challenges of the Jeddah Circuit

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has shed light on the unique challenges that the Jeddah circuit, home to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, presents. In a race preview from Haas, Komatsu explained, “Jeddah offers a unique challenge of a high-speed street circuit with little room for driving errors.

Lower Drag Settings and Tyre Management

Komatsu further elaborated that the team will typically run lower drag settings compared to the circuits they’ve been to so far this year. He emphasized, “Stabilizing the car and getting the tyres to work with such a low drag configuration will be crucial.

Komatsu also highlighted rookie Oliver Bearman’s experience at the Jeddah circuit. The British driver stepped in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari last year when the Spanish driver was rushed to hospital with appendicitis. Bearman secured points on his F1 debut, which in part led to a full-time contract with Haas for 2025.

Oliver Bearman’s Previous Formula 1 Race Experience

Komatsu added, “This is also the first circuit we visit this year where Ollie has previous Formula 1 race experience.” He went on to say, “It’s difficult to predict exactly how the VF-25 will perform in Jeddah, but we’ve been getting maximum out of it in recent races. We’re looking to carry over this momentum and finish the first triple-header of the season – which is very demanding for everyone both at the track and at our factories – on a high.

The American team has had a positive start to the season. It currently sits in fifth in the constructors’ standings with 20 points.

British Driver Oliver Bearman’s Excitement for Jeddah

Young British driver Oliver Bearman expressed his excitement about his upcoming Saudi Arabian campaign, saying, “I’m very excited to return to Jeddah, it’s the first repeat race of my career which is pretty cool. Having had the experience of last year was very nice and helpful and was a highlight of my life so far, having my debut with Ferrari, that track will always hold a special place in my heart.

Bearman further added, “Even before my Formula 1 debut, I really enjoyed driving around Jeddah because of its high-speed nature, and the thrill of driving at such speeds between the walls so I’m looking forward to returning and now having a full race weekend under my belt, not just, FP3, quali, and the race – it should be a good one.”

Haas’s New Driver Lineup for 2025

The Komatsu-led team entered 2025 with an all-new driver lineup of former Alpine driver Esteban Ocon and rookie Bearman. The former has secured 14 points in the first four races, whereas Bearman has gathered six points so far.