Haas F1 Team in a Strong Position to Attract Top Drivers for 2025 Season

In a significant turn of events, the Haas F1 Team has become a coveted destination for top drivers in the Formula 1 paddock. With two seats available for the 2025 season, the American team is in a unique position to attract a plethora of talented drivers, including Grand Prix winners.

Under New Leadership, Haas Punching Above Their Weight

Under the leadership of new boss Ayao Komatsu and Gene Haas, the team has made significant strides, currently sitting seventh in the constructors’ championship with seven points. They have scored four times and made Q3 on three occasions this year, courtesy of Nico Hulkenberg.

Haas has never had much of a choice in who they recruit, usually announcing their plans last in the driver market. However, this is a new era for the team. With a rejuvenated owner and a strong performer in Hulkenberg, they are punching above their weight in the midfield.

The team has retained their qualifying pace from last year and improved their tire management on Sundays, which means no more dropping like a stone come race day. Developments on the car are more regular and deliver lap time at track. They have also retained a strong relationship with long-time partner Ferrari and improved communication between chassis builders Dallara, Haas, and Ferrari.

Bearman Set to Sign with Haas for 2025

Ollie Bearman is the overwhelming favorite to get a deal with Haas for next season. The young Briton impressed the team with his accomplished performance as a stand-in for the unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, scoring points on his Formula 1 debut with little preparation.

Bearman has impressed Haas when he’s spent time at the team, including in two FP1 appearances last year and the first of six planned runs this year. His ability to get up to speed quickly, complete testing programs to a high level, deliver expected lap times, offer concise feedback, and gel with the team has all hit the mark.

Magnussen Under Pressure to Prove Himself

With Bearman all set to sign up, that leaves one seat up for grabs, and Kevin Magnussen faces a fight to keep hold of it. The Dane has been comfortably outperformed by Hulkenberg so far this year and has built up so many penalty points on his super license he’s on the brink of a race ban.

Bottas, Ocon, and Gasly in Contention for Second Seat

Valtteri Bottas, a ten-time Grand Prix winner, is a leading contender to make the move to Haas. The Finn is of interest to several teams, believed to be Williams, Haas, and Alpine. His experience is sought after, with 10 victories in F1 and 20 career pole positions on his CV.

Esteban Ocon, who is managed by Mercedes, has had a successful stint so far at Alpine, and his management has assessed options elsewhere, with Haas and Sauber/Audi the leading contenders.

Pierre Gasly, like Ocon and Bottas, is a Grand Prix winner who would consider a new challenge. His management have explored their options with at least three teams in the mix, and Haas would benefit from a driver of his caliber.

The driver market for 2025 is heating up, and Haas is in a strong position to attract a top driver to pair with Bearman. Which driver that is, however, remains to be seen.

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