Oliver Bearman will be the only Haas driver to use Ferrari’s updated power unit at the Formula 1 Italian GP. Esteban Ocon will race with a previous specification, a decision Ayao Komatsu had to make after Ferrari provided only one new power unit for the American team.
Read more F1: Red Bull celebrates FIA decision and Hadjar’s podium recovery
The choice gains importance in Monza, where power has a significant influence on the long straights of the circuit. Although the difference in championship points, eighteen for Bearman against three for Ocon, was considered, Komatsu explained that other factors weighed in the decision.
The Haas boss recalled that Ocon had received the two previous updates before Bearman. The Frenchman first received the new brakes from Carbone Industrie and also had priority in a power steering update after reporting difficulties with the component.
“Of course, that is part of the consideration,” Komatsu said about the championship situation. “The last two updates were for Esteban. This time, then, it goes back to Ollie,” explained the manager, highlighting the team’s attempt to distribute the upgrades evenly.
Read more F1: Lawson talks about Red Bull’s plan for qualifying session in Monza
Komatsu also expressed frustration with the situation created by the rules, since Ferrari does not have to provide updated units in sufficient quantity for both cars: “It would have been better if there were at least two engines available,” he added, although he acknowledged the Italian manufacturer’s effort to extract the maximum performance possible from the power unit.
When communicating the decision to Ocon, Komatsu said he adopted a direct and transparent stance: “There is no point in beating around the bush. That is the reasoning behind the decision of who will receive the engine,” concluded the Haas boss, who acknowledged that the Frenchman was not happy but defended that the choice was the fairest for the team given the current circumstances.
Read more F1: Mercedes leads pace in Monza, but Ferrari threatens
