In an unique interview with Paddock Journal, Audi’s first manufacturing unit Components 1 driver emphasises the significance of Ayao Komatsu’s contribution to his present F1 group and the way F1’s notion in Germany can develop once more.
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Haas has a brand new group principal for this season. Has the influence of Ayao’s work already been seen, and is the group on the right track?
I feel Ayao is doing a great job, and clearly, many new issues are coming at him after he switched to the group principal place. It’s not all concerning the engineering and technical facet anymore, however he has to cope with all of the industrial features of working a Components 1 group as effectively.
I do know that he’s obtained loads on his plate. He has already made some good adjustments to our technical infrastructure and moved some issues round. It’s been constructive, and we’re on the right track.
I do know he’s obtained loads on his plate.
Nico Hülkenberg
You’ll be becoming a member of the Audi mission subsequent yr. What do you consider F1’s notion in Germany?
From my perspective, I’ve observed a resurgence of curiosity in Components 1 in Germany. It’s essential to keep in mind that Germany has at all times had a robust presence within the sport, with the likes of the Schumachers, Seb, Rosberg, and Mercedes. We’ve persistently carried out at a excessive degree, and I consider this pattern will proceed.
It’s anticipated that, ultimately, there can be a saturation impact. We’ve seen that, and perhaps we’ve been by way of that cycle. F1 has modified a bit because the new homeowners took over; they’ve reworked it a bit and made it extra funky and entertaining. It’s extra on the map once more in Germany, and I’m optimistic about its future. Audi’s entry will even contribute to the game’s reputation in Germany.
Wanting again to 2010, what are probably the most important adjustments in your driving model now? What are the primary enhancements? What’s made you such a rounded driver now?
I feel it’s a steady course of for any driver, not only for me. You consistently attempt to enhance your driving abilities and enter.
And yeah, it simply takes time. Clearly, in spite of everything these years with completely different generations of vehicles, you consistently continue learning, adjusting, and enhancing your self. So it’s like in any sport: whether or not you’re a tennis participant, golfer, or basketball participant, you at all times attempt to enhance your recreation and get an edge over the competitors.
Fernando Alonso talked about a number of occasions that you simply’re top-of-the-line drivers on the grid – how does it really feel to get compliments like this out of your rivals?
I imply, it’s undoubtedly good. It’s clearly higher than mentioning you within the different means round, or not mentioning you in any respect. I assume it’s an indication of respect, and I feel we have now mutual respect for one another.
We’re each form of two of the oldies on the grid proper now, holding up the oldie flag. However we nonetheless take to each other with the younger guys, so yeah, a couple of extra years to come back for each of us.
In all probability I’ll go to a match and watch it.
Nico Hülkenberg
As you talked about, you’ve obtained loads of years nonetheless left in your F1 profession, however what’s going to be subsequent for you? Do you could have some post-F1 profession choices on thoughts?
I do not know, I don’t give it some thought to be trustworthy, as a result of I’ve to be totally invested within the current occasions to maximise the following couple of years.
I really feel like pondering forward to the longer term or what I might do afterwards can be a waste of power and time. Kind of I already know what I’m going to get, as a result of clearly the break that I had gave me somewhat perception to what to anticipate if I finally retire. Nonetheless, don’t fear, I’ll discover stuff to maintain me busy and glad.
We’re right here in Monaco this weekend. Do you suppose that Monaco remains to be probably the most prestigious race on the calendar?
Completely, sure. I’ve lived in Monaco since 2015, this can be my eleventh Monaco Grand Prix, and I’ve watched the race many occasions rising up. Monaco is iconic, it’s all about custom. It’s a journey on a knife edge and difficult yearly and one among my favourite tracks to drive, I sit up for the journey and the problem.
After which lastly, Germany goes to host the Euro 2024 this summer season. Are you going to observe the matches and what do you count on from the German nationwide group?
I feel I’ll undoubtedly observe. I’m not going to look at each recreation, however the German one’s for positive. In all probability I’ll go to a match and watch it. I haven’t been to a soccer recreation in a very long time, in order that looks like a great event. However we’re additionally fairly busy in July, so let’s see.
