Haas has confirmed its all-new driver line-up for subsequent 12 months. Esteban Ocon will be part of the group from Alpine to drive alongside the beforehand introduced rookie Oliver Bearman.
Staff principal Ayao Komatsu has an extended historical past with Ocon, having been his race engineer when he had his first run in a Method 1 take a look at with Lotus (now Alpine) in Valencia 10 years in the past.
“He displayed his abilities again then coming off the again of robust performances within the junior classes,” mentioned Komatsu. “He’d simply gained the 2014 European Method 3 championship.
“Esteban’s gone on to turn into a longtime expertise in Method 1 and naturally a grand prix winner. The expertise he brings, not simply from his personal expertise base but in addition from working for a producer group, will probably be advantageous to us in our progress as an organisation.”
Haas already confirmed the departures of present drivers Nico Hulkenberg, to Sauber, and Kevin Magnussen, whose 2025 plans are but to be confirmed. Komatsu mentioned he needed an skilled driver to companion Bearman, who will make his debut as as a full-time driver subsequent 12 months.
“It was very important we had a driver with expertise in beside Oliver Bearman subsequent 12 months, however Esteban’s solely 27 – he’s nonetheless younger with so much to show as effectively,” mentioned Komatsu. “I believe we’ve got a hungry, dynamic driver pairing and I sit up for welcoming Esteban.”
Ocon arrived in F1 with Manor in the course of the 2016 season. He moved to Pressure India the next 12 months and spent two seasons there till Lawrence Stroll bought the group and changed Ocon together with his son Lance.
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After a 12 months out of F1, Ocon returned with Renault, which turned Alpine in 2021. He scored his first victory that 12 months on the Hungaroring however confirmed his plans to go away earlier this 12 months
Ocon mentioned he was “thrilled” to hitch the “very formidable” Haas group. “I’m very glad to be working with Ayao once more, as he’s been part of my debut after I first stepped right into a Method 1 automotive throughout my Lotus junior days greater than ten years in the past.”
Komatsu took over as Haas group principal originally of the 12 months. The group completed final within the championship however at the moment lies seventh within the standings. Ocon mentioned the group has “thrilling plans and clear targets for the long run.”
View the present listing of 2025 F1 drivers and groups
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