'Don't write off Alonso, Hamilton', says Haas team principal

KUALA LUMPUR: Do not underestimate the power of Formula One's veteran stars Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton despite the exciting emergence of a new generation of young drivers, says Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.

Komatsu believes Alonso and Hamilton still have the experience, race craft, and instinct to keep the balance of power in check, even as several young drivers continue to make their mark in the sport.

However, Komatsu quickly pointed out that experience shouldn't be discounted, especially with two of F1's most accomplished drivers.

"No, I think you only need to look at people like Fernando Alonso, who is 45 years old, still performing at the highest level. He just signed for another year of contract because he still has the hunger," said Komatsu at the Sepang Circuit.

"And whenever he gets a chance, look at — it was Zandvoort (Dutch Grand Prix)? He did an amazing one-stop race (to finish ninth).

"When the car has the potential, right, and then the way he did that one-stop race against everybody else who was doing mainly two-stop, he still got the killer instinct. He always gets the best out of the car or a little bit more.

"So I don't think you can just say that above 35, with these new regulations, older guys have this disadvantage. I don't think so.

"Lewis is 41 years old and the performance he's shown in some races, he's pushing the young ones."

Seven-time champion Hamilton has been pushing the Mercedes duo championship leader Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while two-time champion Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract until next year.

Komatsu pointed to the impressive group of youngsters who have entered F1, including Haas driver Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls (Audi), saying their ability to adapt and learn quickly could see them close the gap to the established stars.

He expects the young drivers to continue battling with the veterans at this weekend's Bahrain GP at Sepang and beyond.

"Look at the young drivers who came in this year - our driver Ollie, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Lindblad. I think these young generations are amazing," added Komatsu.

"They're so adaptable. Of course, older guys who've already done well here, they have some advantage for sure. But these guys, they're incredibly fast learners and they've got amazing talent."