Two-pitstop rule will “destroy” F1 Qatar GP race – Ayao Komatsu

Haas crew principal Ayao Komatsu says the two-pitstop rule applied by Pirelli for this yr’s Qatar Grand Prix will “destroy” the upcoming Components 1 race.

Automobiles will likely be allowed to cowl a most of 25 laps per stint in the course of the 57-lap race, making it an efficient two-stop whereas sustaining a level of strategic variance, as a consequence of considerations over tyre put on.

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That is the second time particular methods have been mandated for the Losail race after 2023, although on the time it was all the way down to the kerbs inflicting micro-lacerations within the rubber, resulting in punctures.

The choice was made in settlement with F1, the FIA and the groups, however Komatsu strongly disagrees with it.

“I do not agree with these synthetic limits,” the Japanese mentioned, “however I suppose it is simply Pirelli scared from final yr, proper? One-stop race, and Pirelli in all probability thought, ‘Certainly they are not going to go this time. Oh no, they are going.’ So they only put this synthetic restrict in order that it is unimaginable to do a one-stop race.

“However for me, I do not suppose it is proper that now we have to do this in a sport. You already know, we’re speaking rather a lot about, you already know, avoiding one-stop races; however to place one thing synthetic, such as you noticed in Monaco and also you noticed in Qatar one yr, I feel it’ll destroy the race.

Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Staff

Picture by: Simon Galloway / LAT Photos through Getty Photos

“For me the problem is not only the one-stop. The problem is that, effectively, you noticed Brazil and Mexico. You need not look any additional than that to see what sort of thrilling race you can have when the tyre efficiency is on the sting of 1 or two stops, or two or three stops. You already know, when the 2 methods might work, that is when an thrilling race occurs. So, for me, that is what Pirelli must purpose for.”

Again in 2023, the utmost stint size was 18 laps, that means automobiles needed to cease 3 times to cowl the 57 laps.

Not everybody stopped on the similar time, however the variance didn’t dramatically alter the image of the race.

“That race was dangerous, wasn’t it?” Komatsu identified. “You already know, everyone’s pitstop window precisely the identical. So, everytime you do one thing synthetic… No person’s silly, proper? Individuals come to principally the identical conclusion.

“So, I do not suppose it may work, these issues. You noticed that in Monaco this yr as effectively,” he added, after this yr’s mandated two-stop obtained combined opinions within the Principality. “You already know, you are attempting to actually artificially power one thing, then you definitely made it worse.”