Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon is settling into his new home at Haas, attributing his smooth transition to finally “speaking the same language” as his team. With the 2025 Formula 1 season looming, Ocon’s move to Haas marks his fourth stint with a new team. However, this is the first time he’s switched squads since reuniting with the Renault-owned team in 2020.
Previously, Ocon was nestled firmly in the Alpine-branded team’s cockpit, where he had grown accustomed to their unique approach to the sport. However, his last season with them ended on a sour note, leading to his current affiliation with Haas. It’s worth noting that Haas is the smallest team on the grid, which initially posed a few challenges for the Frenchman.
However, Ocon expressed his surprise at the robust preparation he’s received from Haas. This support has significantly eased his transition, enabling him to overcome the initial language barrier that existed during his technical discussions with the team.
Ocon shared his experience with select media outlets, including Motorsport Week, during a gathering in Bahrain last month. He spoke about the challenges of adapting to new methods of communication and work processes, but also highlighted the swift convergence of understanding between him and the team.
The preparation has not only been smooth but also productive, particularly in understanding the intricacies of tyre management. As Ocon put it, they are now “speaking the same language,” pointing towards a promising collaboration in the 2025 season.
In another noteworthy development, Ocon has been paired with Laura Mueller, his new race engineer and the first female to hold this position in F1. Pre-season testing has also seen Haas emphasise race runs, allowing Ocon and rookie team-mate Oliver Bearman to clock in many laps and gather valuable data.
The arrival of Ocon at Haas coincides with a major restructuring within the team. This overhaul is an attempt to rectify the operational errors that cost Haas a higher ranking in the 2024 season, according to team boss Ayao Komatsu.
Ocon appears to be satisfied with the changes and the team dynamic. He praised the meticulous preparation and training of the team members, stressing the importance of open and honest communication. Despite the inevitable learning curve and potential for mistakes, Ocon is confident in his journey with Haas and optimistic about their future together on the F1 circuit.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season inches closer, fans and pundits will be keen to see how Ocon’s “new language” translates into performance on the track.
