Haas has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Formula 1 team to appoint a female race engineer. Laura Mueller has taken on this role and will work alongside French driver Esteban Ocon in the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season.
Race engineers are essential in Formula 1, acting as drivers' primary point of contact during a race weekend. They oversee car performance, strategy, and communication, ensuring the driver has all the information they need to perform at their best.
Meanwhile, Ronan O’Hare will serve as the race engineer for rookie Oliver Bearman. Both engineers have had the opportunity to collaborate with their respective drivers during car testing, giving the team a promising start ahead of the new season. Haas is counting on this dynamic to maximise its chances of success, especially after finishing 7th in the Constructors’ Championship standings in the 2024 season, which is the momentum they hope to build upon.
However, the 2025 season presents new challenges for the American team. With an entirely revamped driver line-up following the departures of Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, the pressure is on. Esteban Ocon, known for his uncompromising attitude and competitive edge, joins Haas with extensive experience. On the other hand, Oliver Bearman steps into the sport as a rookie who will have to go through the inevitable learning curve of a debut season.
This pairing is already drawing attention, as the dynamic between Ocon and Bearman could define Haas’s trajectory in 2025. Ocon’s reputation as a tough and demanding teammate and Bearman’s inexperience may lead to moments of friction. However, this blend of experience and fresh talent also offers the potential for growth and exciting on-track results.
As Haas looks to climb the ladder in the Constructors’ standings, all eyes will be on the team’s performance and Laura Mueller. Her expertise and the team’s strategic ambitions could mark a turning point for Haas in its quest for success in Formula 1.