Ayao Komatsu

Ayao Komatsu is Team Principal of TGR Haas F1 Team, having taken on the role ahead of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 Championship. 

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu moved to the UK at 18 to study Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, later completing a PhD while gaining hands-on motorsport experience. Komatsu began his Formula 1 career with BAR Honda in 2003, specializing in vehicle dynamics and tire analysis, before joining Renault during its title-winning era. He later became a race engineer at Lotus, working closely with Romain Grosjean and contributing to multiple podium finishes. 

In 2016, Komatsu joined Haas as Chief Race Engineer, helping establish the team’s competitive foundation and overseeing its trackside engineering operations. Promoted from Director of Engineering to Team Principal in 2024, he has focused on empowering staff, improving structure and efficiency, and guiding Haas through a period of growth and technical change.

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