The Haas Formula 1 team found itself picking up the pieces after a challenging Sunday race at the Belgian Grand Prix. Following a relatively positive Sprint Race in which both Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon managed to secure some valuable points, the main Grand Prix event proved far more complicated. A combination of strategic errors, incorrect tire choices, and mechanical issues severely impacted the performance of the Haas drivers. Let’s take a closer look at what unfolded for the Haas duo during this difficult race weekend.
Used Tire Set Creates Frustration for Esteban Ocon
Esteban Ocon expressed high levels of frustration due to a serious team error involving tire strategy. The French driver pointed out two critical decisions that, in his opinion, were mishandled by the team. “I think there were two crucial decisions that we did not get right,” said Esteban Ocon. “We need to take a step back and review things as a team because today we had the pace to score points with both cars. The rhythm was definitely there. So, it’s a real shame.”
Ocon elaborated on the issue with his tire allocation, emphasizing how detrimental it was to his race. “We have to analyze these last two races because I feel that when the track is wet, we struggle to put things together. I still don’t understand why I had to use a set of used tires instead of fresh ones. I completed 35 laps on used tires. That was a serious and costly mistake,” the French driver concluded.
Ollie Bearman Also Suffers Setbacks
Ollie Bearman delivered a faster race but narrowly missed out on scoring points by just a few seconds, finishing in 11th place. The timing of his pit stop played a crucial role, although for different reasons than Ocon’s. Had Bearman been called in a lap earlier, on lap 11 instead of lap 12, he might have avoided some of the intense battles that affected his race. “It was incredibly frustrating. We stayed in the pits too late, switching from intermediate tires to slicks, and got overtaken by several drivers. But it happens—it’s one of those situations that is really difficult to judge,” Bearman reflected.
Mechanical issues further compromised Bearman’s race pace. “Honestly, I wasn’t able to provide much feedback on track because I had an engine problem. I was experiencing issues with the battery charge. After the pit stops, I was tenth, right behind Nico Hülkenberg, but then, coming out of the final corner, I lost power, and the engine went into a kind of shutdown mode. I lost three positions to Pierre Gasly, Fernando Alonso, and Yuki Tsunoda. I spent the entire race trying to catch back up, and I managed to do so on the penultimate lap, but by then it was already too late,” Bearman explained.
Can the Haas Duo Have a More Successful Race at the Hungarian Grand Prix?
With these setbacks in Belgium now behind them, Haas will look ahead with determination to the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. Both drivers and the entire team will aim to avoid the mistakes and technical issues that hampered their performance at Spa-Francorchamps. The Hungarian circuit offers a fresh opportunity to gain valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship and prove the team’s potential in the fiercely competitive midfield battle of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
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