Haas Backs Esteban Ocon
Five years after Romain Grosjean’s departure, French is once again being spoken at Haas. Esteban Ocon will drive for the American team after ending his long tenure at Alpine, taking on a new challenge. For the first time, the #31 driver will be the team’s main reference point, at least initially, considering that his teammate Oliver Bearman will be in his first full season as a race driver.
Ayao Komatsu’s Words
Team principal Ayao Komatsu detailed why he was keen to bring Esteban Ocon alongside the British rookie for 2025: “I wanted someone who is still young but also experienced. Esteban is 28, so he’s still very young, and he has achieved podiums and scored a lot of points. That said, I think he still has room for improvement.”
“I also wanted someone who is hungry. Determination and work ethic are the most important things because we are a very small team. We still have many areas where we can grow, and we needed someone who wouldn’t just drive but also give us input on development—just like Nico Hülkenberg did—while improving both himself and the team. And Esteban fits that profile.”
Ayao Komatsu clearly believes in Ocon’s qualities without worrying about his reputation as a tough and difficult teammate, a reputation he earned over the years through tensions with Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso. If Oliver Bearman lives up to the potential he showed in 2024, the Frenchman might quickly attempt to assert himself and temper the ambitions of the Ferrari Driver Academy prospect.
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