The Haas team made a striking excursion outside the paddock after the Japanese GP. Team members traveled to the Sky Blue Lodge, the training complex of the English professional club Coventry City. On the pitch, both teams exchanged knowledge and experience in the field of elite sports. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who studied in Coventry to become an engineer, is a fervent supporter of the club and a friend of winger Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
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During the visit, Haas employees got a glimpse into the players’ daily routine, including a joint training session and a special mobility exercise led by the F1 team. At the same time, they could follow Coventry City’s training from the sidelines as the club prepares for the final phase of the battle for promotion to the Premier League. The team currently leads the EFL Championship, England’s second division.
Underdogs
According to team principal Ayao Komatsu, the exchange was particularly valuable for both parties. “In recent years, I have learned how important it is to talk to people from different environments and with diverse backgrounds, because you always discover something new,” he stated in an official press release. “Haas and Coventry City have many similarities, both in terms of the size of our organizations and the challenges.” Both teams are considered underdogs within their respective elite sports.
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“Although the people and environments differ, the focus on getting the maximum out of individuals is the same, and we can always learn from each other,” Komatsu assured. “I was able to have a good conversation with Doug King, the owner of Coventry City. Since he took over the club, the culture he is building aligns perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at Haas. There is still much we can work on together, which can benefit both organizations.” Speaking to Sky Sports , Komatsu also confirmed that he is a friend and supporter of winger Tatsuhiro Sakamoto. “His performances and his mentality are incredible,” said the Japanese. “I have a huge amount of respect for him.”
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