Haas F1 Team Criticised for Strategy Errors at Belgian GP
Haas Formula 1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has expressed frustration with his team’s strategic blunders during the Belgian Grand Prix, echoing past shortcomings from the British GP. The team’s inability to execute pivotal decisions at critical moments has drawn sharp criticism, particularly regarding their tire choices in adverse conditions.
Ocon’s Frustration: “Big and Costly Mistake”
Esteban Ocon did not hold back when addressing Haas’ strategic errors, labeling the pivotal decision to switch from intermediate to slick tires at the wrong moment as “a big and costly mistake.” The Frenchman explained how crucial laps were lost, with his team unduly delaying his pit stop and ultimately fitting him with used tires instead of new ones. “We need to review these last two races because I feel, when it’s wet, we don’t put things together,” Ocon stated.
A Look at the Race Strategy
Ocon and teammate Oliver Bearman found themselves in a challenging position during the race, running 11th and 12th during the opening stint. However, their strategy faltered as they failed to capitalize on the opportunity to pit for slick tires earlier, which allowed drivers ahead, including Lewis Hamilton, to gain significant time. Ocon lost nearly 28 seconds simply by pitting two laps later than Hamilton.
Team Dynamics and Decision-Making
After the race, Ocon mentioned that while he had not explicitly requested an earlier pit stop, he reiterated the importance of clear communication within the team. “There is a very clear process on who takes decisions for what into the team,” he noted, highlighting a potential disconnect between driver input and team strategy.
Meanwhile, Bearman echoed similar sentiments about the timing of their pit stops, expressing his own frustration regarding engine issues that hampered his performance.
Looking Ahead: Improvements Needed
Despite their disappointing finishes—Ocon in 11th and Bearman in 15th—Haas managed to score points during the sprint race, positioning them closer to Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship. As they prepare for the upcoming Hungarian GP, Ocon emphasized the need for strategic efficiency, especially as weather conditions play a significant role in race outcomes.
“If there’s rain, we need to sort out everything on our side before we get there,” he said, signaling a focus on improving decision-making processes in the face of challenging conditions.
Conclusion
As Haas looks to build momentum, the pressure is on the team to rectify strategic errors that have hindered their performance. With Ocon and Bearman determined to bounce back, fans will be eagerly awaiting their next outing to see if they can translate lessons learned into on-track success.