Esteban Ocon, the French racing driver, has recently spoken out about the outstanding level of preparation he has received from Haas, his new team in the 2025 Formula 1 season. This level of preparation, he admitted, has far exceeded his initial expectations.
Previously associated with Renault-owned Alpine since 2020, Ocon made the switch to Haas for the 2025 season. He left the Anglo-French team a round early, which provided him with the opportunity to partake in an Abu Dhabi post-season test using Haas’ 2024 model, the VF-24.
In a recent interview with Motorsport Week and other select media outlets, Ocon shared his positive experiences at Haas. He confessed that his transition to the new team has been smoother than he had anticipated. While he chose not to divulge the specifics, he did admit to being pleasantly surprised by the team’s robust preparation efforts, which he initially feared would be more restrictive.
The Haas team has been utilizing a scheme known as the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) to its advantage. This scheme allows teams to clock mileage in cars that are more than two seasons old. In their case, Haas gave their drivers, including Ocon, the opportunity to practice in the 2023 VF-23 at Jerez. This was a strategic move by the team to compensate for the limited running time available during testing.
Interestingly, Haas’ inaugural TPC run was made possible through a partnership with Toyota. The Japanese auto giant is now providing technical support to Haas, the smallest organization in the sport. Ocon was not privy to this alliance at the time of his signing, which makes his smooth adaptation to the new team all the more impressive.
In another exciting development, Ocon recently conducted a shakedown at Silverstone with the VF-25, Haas’ challenger for the 2025 season. Despite the adverse weather conditions during the test, Ocon was able to identify several positive aspects of the car, which he believes has shown clear improvement over its predecessor.
Ocon’s feedback has been crucial in identifying areas where the car needs to be enhanced. This is part of Haas’ strategy to improve their standing, aiming to build on the promising season they had last year, where they managed a three-place rise to seventh position.
In conclusion, Ocon’s transition to Haas has been filled with positive surprises. His experience showcases the team’s dedication to providing their drivers with the best possible preparation and support. As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, all eyes will be on Haas and their new recruit, Ocon, as they aim to make their mark on the racing circuit.
