Haas Eyes Esteban Ocon for 2025 Formula 1 Season
In a recent interview, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed that Esteban Ocon is a top contender for the team’s driver lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Following Alpine’s announcement that Ocon will not be renewing his partnership with the Enstone-based side, the French driver has become a highly sought-after prospect in the driver market.
With Nico Hulkenberg set to join Sauber next season as part of the team’s expansion to Audi, Haas is guaranteed to have a vacant position for 2025. Ocon, who has accumulated one win and three podiums in 142 starts across two stints in F1, has reportedly been in talks with Haas prior to his departure from Alpine.
“He’s got a lot of experience, he is a race winner, he’s got podium finishes, and has scored many points, and then he worked with a few different teams… So he’s got a lot of experience which is what we are looking for, but also he’s still only 27, he’s still very young.”
Komatsu praised Ocon’s experience, saying, and also commended his commitment and work ethic, stating, “I think his commitment and work ethic is very, very good.” Komatsu is considering several experienced F1 drivers, as well as young talents, for the 2025 season, and Ocon is a serious contender.
Along with team owner Gene Haas, Komatsu is tasked with selecting the drivers for the upcoming season, a decision that will mark a new era for the team since replacing Guenther Steiner at the helm. Komatsu envisions a dynamic driver lineup, combining an established name with an up-and-coming talent to drive progress for F1’s smallest operation.
Haas signing Ocon could signal the end of Kevin Magnussen’s time in the series, as Oliver Bearman, a leading candidate for the second seat, is gaining momentum. Bearman, who made his F1 debut with Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, has appeared in three practice sessions with Haas and is slated for five more FP1 outings in 2024, including the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
“We are evaluating him. If he’s not in consideration, we wouldn’t be running him in the car in FP1, so next time he is going to be in the car is in Barcelona.”
Komatsu commented on Bearman’s prospects, saying. As the 2025 Formula 1 season takes shape, Haas’s driver lineup remains a topic of interest, with Ocon and Bearman emerging as strong contenders.
🔗 Source