In a high-stakes driver shakeup, Haas has bet big on Esteban Ocon, choosing the French driver over several seasoned candidates for its revamped 2025 Formula 1 lineup. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has lifted the lid on the decision, citing Ocon’s “determination and work ethic” as the defining traits that convinced him to make the move.
With Nico Hülkenberg’s departure to Sauber and the promotion of Ferrari protégé Oliver Bearman, Haas had a critical decision to make in securing a leader for its next phase in F1. After discussions with Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen, the team ultimately locked in Ocon—a proven talent with podiums under his belt but still young enough to evolve into a key player.
The Perfect Balance: Experience Meets Hunger
Komatsu, who is steering Haas into a new era, wanted more than just a reliable driver—he wanted a driven, ambitious leader who could shape the team’s future, not just show up on race weekends.
“I wanted someone still young,” Komatsu told RacingNews365. “Young and experienced. Esteban was 27 when I signed him, so still very young.
“He’s got podiums, he’s scored so many points, but he’s still got lots to improve on as well. I wanted somebody hungry, but a known quantity and young enough.
“But determination and work ethic was the big thing [for me], because we’re such a small team. We’ve still got lots of areas in process and methodology that are lacking.”
With 156 F1 starts under his belt, Ocon fits the profile of a battle-tested driver who hasn’t yet peaked, making him an asset for a team trying to break through the midfield.
Hulkenberg Out, Ocon In: Can Haas Keep Up the Momentum?
Hülkenberg’s move to Sauber (soon to be Audi’s works team) left Haas with a major gap to fill, as the German had been responsible for 41 of the team’s 57 points in 2024. Losing his technical expertise and racecraft was seen as a blow—but Haas is confident that in Ocon, it has secured a worthy replacement with similar strengths.
“What Nico did very well was really driving the team forward,” Komatsu explained. “He was at the centre of the team, driving development direction, being part of discussions about how we should develop the car.”
With Ocon, Haas isn’t just looking for a driver who delivers on Sundays, but one who actively participates in the team’s long-term growth.
“I wanted somebody to do that actively, rather than just turning up on the race weekend and driving,” Komatsu continued.
“I just wanted somebody who is very driven by himself, determined to improve himself, improve the team, just non-stop. And Esteban’s that kind of character.”
Haas’ New Identity: A Team Hungry for More
The signing of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman signals a fresh philosophy at Haas—a blend of youthful hunger and established experience. While the team lacked consistency in previous seasons, its sixth-place finish last year proves it has the potential to climb higher if it gets its driver combination right.
With a tireless fighter like Ocon behind the wheel, Haas isn’t just looking to survive in F1’s ruthless midfield—it’s planning to punch above its weight and make waves.
