Why Haas wanted to sign Esteban Ocon for the 2025 F1 season
F1 News
Esteban Ocon will make the switch from Alpine to Haas in 2025. He will join Oliver Bearman so Haas has completed next season's driver duo. Team boss Ayao Komatsu has since commented on Ocon's appointment.
Komatsu looks forward to Ocon's arrival
For the first time in history, Haas has a Grand Prix winner as their driver. Komatsu is, therefore, also eagerly looking forward to the Frenchman's arrival. "I’m delighted we’ve secured Esteban Ocon’s services for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. The experience he brings, not just from his own talent base but also from working for a manufacturer team, will be advantageous to us in our growth as an organization. It was vital we had a driver with experience in beside Oliver Bearman next year, but Esteban’s only 27 – he’s still young with a lot to prove as well. I think we have a hungry, dynamic driver pairing and I look forward to welcoming Esteban into MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for 2025," Komatsu said.
Owner Gene Haas is also looking forward to Ocon's arrival. " It was important to me that we have a driver with a known pedigree in Formula 1, and as a grand prix winner, Esteban undoubtedly fits that brief. Esteban’s proved himself in the teams he’s raced for as someone who’s continually in the mix and scoring points – it’s that continuity we’re keen to capitalize on as we look for increased performance gains on-track. We have a blend of youth and experience in our future driver line-up and I’m excited to see the results," the American informed.