Haas might be the perfect example of how close the 2025 Formula 1 season is proving to be after the Chinese Grand Prix.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu led a program during pre-season testing that saw neither Haas driver really push this year’s car to its limits.
The first race weekend of the season in Australia potentially demonstrated why as neither Esteban Ocon nor Oliver Bearman were ever in contention to score points.
Sauber were expected to be the slowest car but Haas were a long way off their pace in Melbourne.
However, the Chinese Grand Prix suddenly saw Haas look much more competitive, with Ocon qualifying in P11 for Sunday’s race.
They then nailed their strategy during the Grand Prix and F1 world champion Damon Hill couldn’t hide his pleasure for the British teenager.
READ MORE: All to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari and Toyota ties
Damon Hill lauds Oliver Bearman’s display for Haas at the Chinese Grand Prix
Hill posted on Instagram and reacting to Bearman securing a P8 finish for Haas after both Ferrari drivers were disqualifed, he simply said: “Great driving”
Ocon finished three places ahead of Bearman to secure his first points since joining Haas from Alpine.
That included a brilliant move on Driver of the Day Kimi Antonelli to finish as the best of the rest behind both McLaren, George Russell and Max Verstappen.
Ocon posted on social media after the race and said: “YESS LET’S GOOO!!! What a race and feels so good to get our first points of the season!
“Incredible team effort to bounce back from where we were just a week ago and mega drive from Ollie to get into the points too, let’s keep pushingggg”
Bearman also posted on Instagram after the race and in a message to his fans he said: “CIAO! Enjoyed that one, and a double-points finish for the team. what a turnaround.”
Ocon then commented on Bearman post, saying: “Mega drive mate!”
There are now seven drivers who have yet to score a point this season including the under-pressure Red Bull star Liam Lawson and new Williams driver Carlos Sainz.
However, neither of Haas’ drivers fit into the category anymore and the team have risen to seventh in the constructors’ championship.
READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver Oliver Bearman? Everything to know
Oliver Bearman recovers from ‘speechless’ mistakes at the Australian Grand Prix
Bearman had a nightmare first race weekend this season, spinning out twice in practice in Australia before finishing last out of the classified runners.
Guenther Steiner was left ‘speechless’ by Bearman’s performance in Melbourne but he turned that around very quickly in Shanghai.
The finishing order in Shanghai 👀#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/eW0K2i0c2S
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 23, 2025
The 19-year-old deserves credit for keeping his car on the road in Australia when so many others spun off but in China, he showed his true speed.
He pulled off his brilliant overtaking moves and six seconds clear of Pierre Gasly as he crossed the finish line after 56 laps.
Komatsu told Bearman privately what he needed to do in China after his difficult start last weekend and he delivered admirably.
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