By: Ayao Komatsu is the team principal of the Haas F1 Team.
His name is not particularly well known to the wider public, certainly not to the extent of his predecessor Guenther Steiner, but he boasts an impressive CV and considerable technical experience gained over the years as an engineer focused on tyre development.
The 50-year-old Japanese does not carry the same reputation as a “hard man” that surrounds the South Tyrolean manager, but by dropping Ocon he showed that he has real backbone and will not tolerate anyone shirking their responsibilities or, as has been reported, behaving rudely.
Japanese discipline in driver management
Such a rigorous approach to driver management invites a comparison with what Ferrari's counterpart does not appear able to achieve with his drivers.
They are certainly drivers of a different calibre and in very different contractual situations, but the principle remains the same.
Komatsu himself said as much during his first media engagements in Sao Paulo, reiterating that, given the role he holds, his primary concern is the good of the team and that this must be pursued professionally.
The Haas team principal made a decision that even Steiner never had the “stomach” to make, and in a sense comes out on top in the comparison with Vasseur, given that this is at least the third clash between the Ferrari drivers without the situation ever truly being resolved.
Professionalism, and the team comes first
On the subject of professionalism, Hamilton's recent comments have raised eyebrows; Leclerc has been more professional, resisting the temptation to respond.
Vasseur said he was pleased with the discussion he had with the drivers, but it is unclear how long this truce can last without a metaphorical “fist slammed on the table”, because there is simply no reason to be happy that such a clarification was needed in their second year together at Ferrari.
In this bold comparison, Komatsu's backbone is welcome: perhaps he is as effective as a team principal as he is as a technician.
A hard man in actions, far more than in words.
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