The updates Haas introduced in Austin have continued to show promising results in Interlagos, particularly in terms of consistency over long runs. The VF-25 now feels more predictable and manageable, qualities that have translated into solid performance in both the race and the Sprint. Interestingly, this evolution has affected the two drivers differently: Oliver Bearman has fully exploited the car’s platform, even in qualifying, while Esteban Ocon struggled, especially in single-lap performance, although he still showed strong race pace.
Qualifying analysis: Bearman shines while Ocon struggles with the rear
The technical difference between the two drivers became clear during qualifying sessions. In Sprint Qualifying, Ocon was eliminated in SQ1 without improving in his final attempt, whereas Bearman comfortably advanced, only missing SQ3 due to a small mistake in Turn 4 that cost him roughly two and a half tenths of a second. Bearman later noted in interviews an unusual differential behavior during that lap.
Telemetry explains Bearman’s advantage of approximately eight tenths in SQ1. He was able to get on the throttle earlier out of Turn 3, while Ocon had to modulate more to control the unsettled rear, losing around two tenths at that point alone. This pattern continued through medium-speed corners, where Bearman has consistently excelled this season, gaining over 15 km/h more minimum speed through Turns 6 and 7, adding another 0.15s advantage. In the slower section through Turns 8, 9, and 10, Bearman’s cleaner traction extended his lead by roughly three tenths, about one per corner. This highlights Ocon’s lack of confidence in the rear, particularly in medium-high speed turns.
Saturday qualifying confirmed the same trend, though the gap narrowed from 0.8s to 0.55s. Esteban Ocon was again trapped in Q1, losing over half of the deficit in the first sector. He described the car’s balance as challenging, emphasizing that the team is working hard to find solutions. Telemetry confirmed his lack of trust in the car, with braking points in Turns 2 and 6/7, plus a 12% lift in Turn 11, clearly indicating the driver-car disconnect.
Bearman, meanwhile, delivered one of his strongest qualifying sessions of the season: third in Q1, second in Q2 with a 1:09.7, and eighth in Q3 after small setbacks. He noted the slight drop in performance in Q3 despite a positive overall session, reflecting consistent competitiveness without major issues from the car itself.
Race performance: VF-25 excels over long distances
The Sprint revealed the car’s potential over race distance. Ocon climbed to 11th, while Bearman, initially set back by contact with Lawson in Turn 4, recovered to finish 12th, regaining pace mid-race. Ocon’s long-run pace was stronger than his single-lap, reflecting the VF-25’s strengths.
In the main race, Bearman again stood out, finishing sixth and remaining closer to the top teams than the midfield pack. Ocon, starting from the pit lane on hard tires, suffered from a slow puncture that forced a delayed pit stop and dropped him to last, yet he managed a recovery to 12th, only two seconds behind Lawson in seventh. Ocon noted the lost opportunity due to the puncture, acknowledging the car had good pace but luck was not on their side that weekend.
Bearman’s race was clean and strategic: starting eighth, briefly losing position to Pierre Gasly before regaining it, overtaking Lawson, and executing a successful undercut on Hadjar to finish sixth. His gap to Piastri in fifth was only twelve seconds, while the margin to Lawson in seventh was twenty-three, showing he was closer to the top teams than the chasing midfield. Post-race, Bearman praised the team’s pace, strategy, and consistency, calling it one of their best races, and highlighted the opportunity in the remaining three races to potentially secure seventh, or even sixth, in the Constructors’ Championship, currently held by Aston Martin and Racing Bulls. He also stressed that Ocon will need to improve qualifying performance, while Bearman’s pace remains a reliable asset for the team.
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