The restructuring aims for improved performance with a fresh leadership team as it prepares for an ambitious 2024 season.
**Haas F1 Team Welcomes Laura Muller as Groundbreaking Race Engineer**
**Haas F1 Team Welcomes Laura Muller as Groundbreaking Race Engineer**
Haas F1 Team announces Laura Muller as the sport's first female race engineer, enhancing diversity in Formula 1.
Haas F1 Team has made a significant stride towards inclusivity by appointing Laura Muller as the first female race engineer in Formula 1. The German engineer joined Haas in 2022 and will now support new driver Esteban Ocon, marking a critical step for gender diversity in the sport. Alongside Muller, Carine Cridelich has been brought on board from Red Bull Racing as the new head of strategy, also a pivotal role in the team’s operation.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized that the selection of both engineers was based on their capabilities rather than gender, stating, "We just don't care - nationality, gender, doesn't matter." This focus on competency comes as part of a broader restructuring aimed at addressing past weaknesses and maximizing performance. He recognized that the trackside team's execution had fallen short despite having a competitive car.
Francesco Nenci has been designated as the new chief race engineer, following his experience with Audi’s Dakar Rally and previous roles in F1 with Sauber and Toyota. Mark Lowe, formerly the operations team manager, takes on the role of sporting director, further strengthening the leadership lineup aimed at improving team results, especially after finishing seventh in the constructors' championship last season.
The 2024 season will be the first time Haas operates within F1's budget cap, allowing for strategic improvements. Komatsu plans to stick to last year’s front suspension design for consistency in aerodynamic testing, while also expressing ambition to outperform teams with larger budgets and more resources, such as Williams.
Haas has a unique operational approach, heavily relying on its partnership with Ferrari for parts and engineering resources, while maintaining a lean in-house team located in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Komatsu is optimistic that changes in strategy and leadership will yield better performance and results on the track, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized that the selection of both engineers was based on their capabilities rather than gender, stating, "We just don't care - nationality, gender, doesn't matter." This focus on competency comes as part of a broader restructuring aimed at addressing past weaknesses and maximizing performance. He recognized that the trackside team's execution had fallen short despite having a competitive car.
Francesco Nenci has been designated as the new chief race engineer, following his experience with Audi’s Dakar Rally and previous roles in F1 with Sauber and Toyota. Mark Lowe, formerly the operations team manager, takes on the role of sporting director, further strengthening the leadership lineup aimed at improving team results, especially after finishing seventh in the constructors' championship last season.
The 2024 season will be the first time Haas operates within F1's budget cap, allowing for strategic improvements. Komatsu plans to stick to last year’s front suspension design for consistency in aerodynamic testing, while also expressing ambition to outperform teams with larger budgets and more resources, such as Williams.
Haas has a unique operational approach, heavily relying on its partnership with Ferrari for parts and engineering resources, while maintaining a lean in-house team located in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Komatsu is optimistic that changes in strategy and leadership will yield better performance and results on the track, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
