About this episode

Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin interview Ayao Komatsu about Haas's success in F1 and discuss various team-related topics.

Haas currently sit in fourth in the F1 constructors’ standings. So how are F1’s smallest team performing so well? Izzy Hammond and Harry Benjamin visit the team’s HQ to speak with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu about their success. Plus, just how did Ollie Bearman escape from that huge accident in Japan unharmed and what are the team’s ambitions for the future? Izzy and Harry also answer your F1 hot takes. Could Gianpiero Lambiase become McLaren’s Team Principal in the future, following the announcement of his switch from Red Bull in 2028? And which driver is the most likely to be a reality TV star? F1 returns next for the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, with live commentary across the 5 Live network and BBC Sounds.

People in this episode

Hosts: Izzy Hammond, Harry Benjamin

Guest: Ayao Komatsu

Topics covered

• F1
• Haas
• Team Principal
• accidents
• future ambitions
• driver speculation

Keywords

• Haas
• F1 constructors’ standings
• Ollie Bearman
• Gianpiero Lambiase
• Miami Grand Prix

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Haas, McLaren, Red Bull

Places: Japan

More episodes of F1: Chequered Flag

• Back at Base S3: 10. Cadillac Race into F1’s new era · April 24, 2026 · 31 min
• Chequered Flag Extra: George Russell Special · April 23, 2026 · 17 min
• Chequered Flag Extra: Q&A Special · April 9, 2026 · 40 min
• Chequered Flag Extra: Verstappen’s Future, Bearman’s Crash & Jack Black · April 2, 2026 · 24 min
• Japanese GP Review: Could Verstappen Leave F1? · March 29, 2026 · 41 min
• Japanese GP Quali Review: Antonelli v Russell & Verstappen’s Struggles · March 28, 2026 · 25 min

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