How Ayao Komatsu convinced Gene Haas to drive at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Haas Formula 1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed how he managed to convince team owner Gene Haas to get behind the wheel of the team's 2023 VF23 car at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 72-year-old will take the F1 car up the famed hillclimb, joining Komatsu and drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, who are all set to do the same throughout the weekend.

The American outfit is making its Festival of Speed debut this year in celebration of its 10th year in F1.

"We couldn't do it before," Komatsu explained to Goodwood. "This is the first year with a test car programme. We've never had that kind of heritage team before, so it's just evidence that we are growing as a team.

"And then it's very nice to be able to do events such as Goodwood at such a key point in our team's history. This is our tenth year. We just did our 200th grand prix in Montréal, so it's very fitting.”

The Japanese team chief went on to speak about the significance of Haas taking part in the event.

"The fact that we haven't been there before means it's even more significant, and for Gene, he's the founder and the sole owner of the team, so what a moment for him to drive his car," Komatsu added.

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team, Gene Haas, Owner and Founder, Haas F1 Team, on the grid

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

"He owns everything in this team. He's not some sort of corporate or private equity investor. He owns the team, and he's so passionate about it."

Discussing the four-day event ahead of the British Grand Prix, Komatsu explained to Motorsport.com and other media, "When I asked him in Miami, Gene, this is our celebration, your celebration, this is your team. Can you drive? I think it would be really, really good that you enjoy what you created and what you supported us for 10 years. And then he was a bit nervous, but he said, yeah, yeah, I'll do it."

Komatsu took part in the shakedown with Haas on 20th June, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

"It was amazing to see," he continued in the discussion with Goodwood. "We did several outings, and, OK, he was a bit nervous to start with. You'd expect that. But every time he went out, you could see his confidence grow; he was getting on the power a bit more, and coming back with even more of a smile on his face, which was great. He was full of smiles."