It was a expensive weekend for Haas in Monaco after Kevin Magnussen’s joint brain fade moment with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez resulted in a three-car-carnage as Nico Hulkenberg was taken out as collateral damage.
And while the cost for Red Bull to fix Perez’s car will be around $3-Million, both Haas cars were less damaged, but for a team like Haas any accident will prove costly.
However, Komatsu is trying to look at the glass half full as Haas gear up to race in Montreal this weekend, and is hoping the VF-24 may go well around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Speaking in Haas‘ race preview, Komatsu said: “Montreal is a pretty unique circuit, it’s a street circuit. It’s got lots of low speed corners, change of direction and it’s quite unforgiving for making mistakes as well.
“The downforce level is lower than some of the other tracks, so combining that with characteristics of the VF-24, I think it’s good that there’s a lack of high-speed corners. In low-speed, car balance is key, so we need to get that right. In terms of downforce level, I think we’re more competitive in lower downforce circuits so far this year than higher downforce, because of the efficiency of the car we’ve got so I think that’s another positive,” he explained.
Noting the specific nature of the track in Montreal, Komatsu remained confident, he added: “The main takeaway is that yes, Montreal is quite a specific circuit with the layout and downforce level, the high demand on the brakes, low speed and change of direction.
“But having said that, with what we’ve seen over the last eight races with the robustness of the car, I think we can fight for points,” he concluded.
Hulkenberg hopes to translate a good qualifying into a race result
Hulkenberg has been delivering the goods for Haas, especially in qualifying, but while Sunday in Montreal was a free fall down the order in 2023, the German is hoping for a better Grand Prix this time around.
He said: “I love Montreal and it’s probably my favorite track on the calendar. I love where it is on the little island, the drive into the circuit in the morning, and the atmosphere in Montreal. It gets me every year and I just really enjoy it here.
“The circuit has a very cool flow, even though it’s pretty flat – it doesn’t have elevation changes – but the rhythm of the track is very unique and hits the spot for me,” he pointed out. “Last year was very positive, especially the Saturday, as Sunday we just weren’t competitive and slipped back.
“I look forward to hitting the track and this year we’re in a much better position and we should be able to translate a good qualifying into a race result,” the Sauber-bound driver concluded.
Magnussen commented: “Montreal is another great track and another classic I’d say, although it doesn’t have the history of Monaco or Monza, for example.
“It’s definitely a driver’s track as well, flying over the kerbs and braking late into the chicanes. It’s great racing there with good opportunities for overtaking, and overall, it’s just a great place to go.
“The city is awesome, the food, hotels, and the fans – I’ve got nothing bad to say! I don’t think I’ve ever had a fantastic weekend there yet though, so I’m aiming for that this season,” the Dane concluded.
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