Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu reckons that the US outfit’s new VF-24 will better suit the driving style of Kevin Magnussen compared to its 2023 predecessor.
Last season, Magnussen faced challenges extracting the full potential of the VF-23 due to its inherent characteristics that clashed with his preferred driving approach.
Magnussen, known for his preference to carry significant speed through corners, demanded a car that could seamlessly transition from braking on the approach to turning in.
However, the VF-23 exhibited a degree of instability upon turn-in, a characteristic that favored Magnussen’s teammate Nico Hulkenberg whose sharp turn-in “V-style” approach mitigated the car’s specific trait.
During the off-season, Haas has spent the off-season meticulously analyzing and rectifying the issues that hindered its performance in the previous year.
Komatsu is confident that the team’s improvements will positively impact Magnussen's driving experience, allowing him to boost his performance.
“I wouldn’t say eliminated, that’s a big word,” the Japanese engineer said when asked about Magnussen’s driving woes. “But certainly, we have improved on it.
“He’s a driver who needs good entry stability and consistent [handling] through a corner.”
Komatsu stressed the value of enjoying a strong working relationship with both Magnussen and Hulkenberg, and establishing a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
But the Japanese engineer believes that open communication is crucial for identifying and addressing any issues that may arise during the season and for ensuring that everyone is aligned towards the same goals.
“Obviously, I’ve known Kevin [Magnussen] for some years,” he said. “Nico [Hulkenberg], I really enjoyed working with him last year. I didn’t know him before.
“Although actually, when I was working with Lotus, he came for a seat fit – I can’t remember which year – and he remembered that as well.
“They both know that I’m quite straightforward. I say what I think. Not being aggressive or anything, but no bullshit, it’s just that we haven’t got time to waste.
“They know exactly where I am then, where they are, and we work well together. In terms of our strengths and weaknesses, we understand each other pretty well.
“We’ve got a good open and transparent dialogue, so I’m happy with that.”
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