Ayao Komatsu has clarified why Oliver Bearman is the sole Haas driver receiving Ferrari’s updated power unit for the Italian Grand Prix.
Ferrari is rolling out its second power‑train upgrade of the season at its home circuit, made possible by the latest ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) regulations.
Although regulations oblige Ferrari to supply the new components to its customer teams — Haas and Cadillac — the rule does not mandate enough units for every car; each American outfit receives only one.
At Haas, team principal Ayao Komatsu opted to give the upgrade to Bearman, noting that Esteban Ocon had already received two recent enhancements ahead of his teammate. Given Monza’s long straights, where engine output is critical, this allocation could provide a significant performance edge.
When questioned whether Bearman’s higher championship tally — 18 points versus Ocon’s three — influenced the decision, Komatsu said the matter is more nuanced.
“Of course that plays a role,” Komatsu admitted. “But recall the last two upgrades we delivered were the Carbone Industrie brakes; Esteban had been experiencing more brake‑lock issues, so we prioritized him for those.”
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
He continued: “We had already given Ollie the Montreal‑spec upgrade, so we gave Esteban the brake improvement first. Likewise, before the summer shutdown in Budapest we introduced a power‑steering upgrade; again, Esteban was more vocal about his needs and received it. Consequently, the last two upgrades went to Ocon, and now the power‑unit upgrade returns to Bearman.”
Komatsu also expressed frustration with the current rules, which allow Ferrari to supply only enough upgraded units for one car per customer team, forcing him to choose a driver.
He added: “Previously we waited until we had sufficient units to equip both cars simultaneously. This time, however, Monza’s power‑sensitive nature makes it wasteful to leave performance idle in the garage, which presents a real challenge.”
“Ideally we would have two upgraded engines available, but Ferrari is extracting every possible gain from the unit and intends to debut it at Monza. Consequently, they are providing the minimum quantity needed to satisfy the regulations.”
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
When asked how he conveyed the decision to Ocon, Komatsu replied: “There’s no point in sugar‑coating it. I explained exactly the reasoning behind the selection, and I remain transparent about it. From day one we have strived to operate openly and as fairly as possible.”
He continued: “Obviously we cannot satisfy everyone all the time, nor do we harbor any hidden or personal agendas toward either driver. We have worked to build trust on that basis.”
“Esteban will understandably miss out on receiving the fourth power unit right away, but this approach serves the team’s best interests and represents the fairest solution we can offer. While perfection is unattainable, we commit to being upfront and consistent, knowing that trust is earned over time.”
Also Read
- Team Vitality Defies Elimination Again at BLAST Open Fall Playoffs
- Clarke pushes SFA to secure updated employment contract Clark added: “Obviously we got to March and I hadn’t been offered a new contract, which I thought was pretty strange. You start to think are they hedging their bets a little bit, waiting on the tournament in the summer.” “So I did a little bit in the media in March to give the SFA a little shove. We negotiated non‑stop from the beginning of April really to the middle of May, just before the Curacao game.” “And I said to them if we don’t agree a new contract before we go to the World Cup then I will say I am leaving the job. They panicked a little bit and gave me the new contract.” “It was like drawing teeth trying to get it over the line. But we got it over the line anyway.” “But I always knew in my head that if we did not get out of the group stage then I would probably leave. The only way I would have stayed on is if they had been three fantastic games and they went against you.” Scotland beat Haiti 1‑0 but lost by the same score to Morocco before a 3‑0 loss to Brazil left them waiting for an unlikely series of results to allow them to progress as one of the better third‑place sides. “We had to stay for four or five days [in Charlotte], the longest four or five days ever just sitting and waiting, knowing you are going home because the goal difference was not good enough,” he recalled. “I knew we needed four points. I got hammered in the media for saying that. Somebody hammered me for saying, ‘nah, that’s us, we are going home’. But I was right.” Clarke revealed he spoke to several senior players following the Brazil game and sensed that they needed to hear a different voice if they are to make history by reaching the knockout stage at Euro 2028. Meantime, he spoke to new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli last week to wish him well and believes “even Scotland” cannot fail to qualify given two spots in the finals will be reserved for the best‑ranked host who have not qualified as a group winner or runner‑up.
- Tilak Varma Confirms KL Rahul’s Absence from Duleep Trophy 2026 Final
- Terence Crawford Tests Jaron Ennis’ Easy Work Claim