Haas F1 Team has made a significant move in the driver market, announcing the signing of Esteban Ocon on a multi-year contract. The French driver will join the American outfit for the 2025 Formula 1 season, forming a new driver pairing alongside Ferrari Academy graduate Oliver Bearman.
Ocon, who currently races for Alpine, brings a wealth of experience to Haas. The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner has been a consistent performer in the sport, showcasing his talent and racecraft. His move to Haas marks a reunion with team principal Ayao Komatsu, who was Ocon's race engineer during his early days in Formula 1.
Komatsu expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Ocon on board. "I’ve obviously been aware of his talents for a long time," he said. "He displayed his talents back then coming off the back of strong performances in the junior categories – he’d just won the 2014 European Formula 3 Championship."
The team principal highlighted the importance of having an experienced driver alongside the rookie Bearman. "It was vital we had a driver with experience in beside Oliver Bearman next year, but Esteban’s only 27 – he’s still young with a lot to prove as well," Komatsu added. "I think we have a hungry, dynamic driver pairing."
Ocon himself is excited about the new challenge. "I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my Formula 1 career and join Haas F1 Team from the start of the 2025 season," he said. "I’ll be joining a very ambitious racing team, whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory has really impressed me."
The Frenchman praised the team's vision and expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team's growth. "Haas F1 Team has exciting plans and clear targets for the future, and I’m very much looking forward to working with everyone in [the team’s various facilities in] Kannapolis, Banbury and Maranello, and being part of this great project," he added.
Haas team owner Gene Haas emphasized the importance of signing an experienced driver to partner with Bearman. "We needed to bring in a driver with a known pedigree in Formula 1 to partner with Oliver," Haas said. "Esteban undoubtedly fits that brief."
Ocon's move to Haas comes after a tumultuous period at Alpine, which saw him involved in a high-profile collision with teammate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Frenchman's departure from the French team had been speculated for some time, and the move to Haas represents a fresh start for his career.
With Ocon and Bearman forming the driver lineup for 2025, Haas is looking to build on its recent progress and challenge for higher positions in the Formula 1 standings. The team's combination of youth and experience could prove to be a potent force in the coming seasons.
