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.”
