Haas chief on “unique challenge” of Saudi Arabian GP: Performance “difficult to predict”

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has outlined the “unique challenge” of the Jeddah circuit, home of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

“Jeddah offers the unique challenge of a high-speed street circuit with little margin for driving error,” Komatsu explained in a race preview from Haas. 

“We will be typically running lower drag settings compared to the circuits we’ve been to so far this year, so how we stabilise the car and get the tyres to work with such a low drag configuration will be key.”

Komatsu also noted 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.

“This is also the first circuit we visit this year where Ollie has previous Formula 1 race experience,” Komatsu added.

“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.

The young British driver said the following on his upcoming Saudi Arabian campaign:

“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.

“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.”

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.