Ayao Komatsu Recalls Fernando Alonso's Unparalleled Skill in F1
Ayao Komatsu, the current team principal for Haas F1, offers a captivating retrospective on his early career as a tire engineer and the profound impact of working alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso at Renault. This account sheds light on Alonso's distinct driving prowess, particularly his remarkable intuition for tire degradation and his tactical acumen during races. Komatsu vividly recalls moments that underscore why Alonso was, and remains, an exceptional talent in the highly competitive world of Formula 1, setting him apart from even highly regarded peers like Jenson Button.
Komatsu's journey in Formula 1 began two decades ago, during a period of considerable financial investment in the sport. Manufacturers operated with extensive resources, including multiple wind tunnels and dedicated test teams working in parallel with race crews. Before joining Renault in 2006, Komatsu gained valuable experience at BAR-Honda, where he collaborated with drivers such as Jenson Button, Takuma Sato, and test driver Anthony Davidson.
The year 2005 saw BAR-Honda face a setback due to a fuel tank scandal that resulted in their disqualification from the San Marino Grand Prix and a subsequent two-race ban. This prompted Komatsu's move to Renault, where he had the unique opportunity to work directly with Fernando Alonso, who had just clinched his first world championship. This transition marked a pivotal moment in Komatsu's career, providing him with firsthand insight into what truly defines an elite driver.
Komatsu specifically recounted Alonso's unparalleled ability to manage tire wear during a stint. He noted that Alonso could precisely predict when a tire would reach its limit, allowing him to push the car to its maximum potential in the final laps before a pit stop. “He's just another level. Completely another level,” Komatsu observed. “Knowing that if you give him this tyre and say, ‘OK, we need you to do, let's say, an 18-lap stint. The last three laps, I want to be able to go at this pace – but just completely use up the tyre by the in-lap.’ Jenson couldn't do that. Miles from it. He really couldn't. That was when I saw there was a limit, even for a Formula 1 driver… Fernando, I don't know how he does it.” This remarkable skill enabled Alonso to maximize performance, often extracting grip where others simply couldn't.
Beyond his mastery of dry conditions, Alonso also demonstrated an extraordinary feel for grip transitions, particularly in mixed weather scenarios. The 2006 Chinese Grand Prix serves as a prime example. Despite the race eventually being won by Michael Schumacher's Bridgestone-shod Ferrari, Komatsu recalled Alonso's confident decision to switch to slicks earlier than expected. “Shanghai race, he [Alonso] made a call to come in for slicks,” Komatsu shared. “We all thought it was too early. But he can make it work.” This move, though ultimately complicated by a sticky wheel nut and a front-axle-only intermediate tire call, showcased Alonso's unparalleled confidence and ability to exploit the full potential of his Michelin tires. His teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella, who pitted later under better conditions, struggled to match Alonso's pace due to a more tentative approach, underscoring the Spaniard's unique talent.
Alonso's extraordinary awareness extended beyond the track, as evidenced during the Canadian Grand Prix. Leading the race by a significant margin, Alonso calmly informed his team of an impending safety car—an event they hadn't yet seen. It was later revealed that he had been monitoring the race on large screens around the circuit, noticing a major crash involving Jacques Villeneuve. Komatsu marvelled at this, asking, “how much spare capacity have you got left?” This anecdote highlights not only Alonso's deep understanding of race dynamics but also his mental fortitude and ability to process information even while performing at peak levels. Working with such a driver was, as Komatsu put it, “a huge eye-opener” and an “amazing” experience that left an indelible impression on him.