Haas F1 Team Announces Major Driver Shake-Up for 2025: Ocon and Rookie Bearman to Join, Leadership Discusses Strategy and Expectations

September 3rd, 2024, 9:30 AM
Formule1.nl

In 2025, Haas F1 Team will see a complete overhaul of its driver lineup. Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen will step aside to make room for rookie Oliver Bearman and seasoned Alpine driver Esteban Ocon. Ocon, known for his controversial on-track actions, has a reputation in the paddock. However, Haas anticipates no issues and looks forward to working with Ocon.

Ayao Komatsu, the team principal at the American racing team, was asked about his future drivers during the race weekend in Monza. Is Haas aware of Esteban Ocon’s reputation and how does the team plan to handle it? “It certainly came up, but I have always been confident in my decision,” Komatsu told Crash.net.

Establishing Clear Rules

“I was able to have an honest conversation with Esteban (Ocon),” he continued. “I now understand his perspective on such matters. Personally, I believe there should be no issues if we establish a good, respectful, and transparent relationship between the team and the driver.” Ocon has had several disagreements this year with teammate and personal rival Pierre Gasly. However, Komatsu does not anticipate any problems between the Frenchman and his future protégé, Oliver Bearman.

“Ocon is a very strong driver,” said the Haas team boss. “As long as we set clear rules from the start of the season, we have a high chance of success. That transparency is very important. We may have to give team orders that the drivers disagree with, but we can always discuss that. I don’t expect any problems – all the gossip in the paddock about Ocon’s reputation, I’m really not worried about that.”

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