Haas benefited from the double disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. As a result, the team moved up in the final standings: Esteban Ocon from P11 to P9 and Oliver Bearman from P12 to P10. With this boost, the American team surpassed rival Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship and is now one point ahead of the British racing team.
Haas had a disappointing qualification, in which the team had hoped for a better starting position. Ocon finished at P13 and Bearman at P14. On Sunday, the team managed to make up some places, but not quite enough for points. That was until the two McLaren drivers were disqualified due to excessive wear on the plank under their car. As a result, Ocon and Bearman moved up two places and collectively scored three points. Thanks to this favourable development, Haas climbs a spot in the constructors’ championship and puts pressure on Aston Martin in the battle for seventh place.
Oliver Bearman reflected on a race full of challenges. “The opening round went very well and we were immediately in a good position. Unfortunately, we then had some trouble with the speed and I couldn’t find a rhythm. In the first stint, I had trouble keeping the other cars behind me and made mistakes because the car was difficult to control.” Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu gave his view on the tactical course of the race. “With the lack of laps in the second free practice and a wet qualification, it was very difficult to estimate how the tyres would behave, but I think we responded reasonably well. I hope we are more competitive, qualify better and put in a few strong performances in the last races.” With two Grands Prix to go, Haas hopes to secure the seventh place in the constructors’ championship.
