Esteban Ocon will be the lead driver for the first time in his F1 career at Haas in 2025. The Frenchman will partner with Oliver Bearman this season.
Haas have opted for a new driver pairing in 2025 with Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen both making way for Ocon and Bearman.
The American outfit have built an exciting project heading into their 10th season in F1. Under the guidance of Ayao Komatsu, Haas just missed out on sixth in the constructors’ championship in 2024.
| Position | Constructors’ Standings | Points |
| 0 |
McLaren Racing |
0 |
| 0 |
Sauber F1 Team |
0 |
| 0 |
Mercedes-AMG Petronas |
0 |
| 0 |
Red Bull Racing |
0 |
| 0 |
Racing Bulls |
0 |
| 0 |
Haas F1 Team |
0 |
| 0 |
Scuderia Ferrari |
0 |
| 0 |
Williams F1 Team |
0 |
| 0 |
Aston Martin F1 Team |
0 |
| 0 |
Alpine F1 Team |
0 |
Ocon will benefit from a fresh start at Haas. Friction at Alpine tainted his relationship as he was ultimately released from his contract before the season finale in Abu Dhabi last year.
Meanwhile, teammate Bearman has already raced with the American outfit, having replaced Magnussen in Baku and Sao Paulo last year.
The Brit has a lot of hype heading into his first full assault of F1 this season. Ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Ocon has offered him a piece of advice that he will ‘regret’ if he ignores.
Esteban Ocon warns Oliver Bearman he will ‘regret’ not enjoying the moment in 2025
Bearman put himself on the driver market with his impressive debut with Ferrari in Jeddah. He finished seventh as Carlos Sainz’s replacement before scoring another point in Baku with Haas.
Sao Paulo proved difficult for the 19-year-old with the torrential rain but he was able to nurse home a solid P12. Ferrari were impressed Bearman outqualified Hulkenberg in Brazil, despite being knocked out in Q1.
The Brit will look to carry the momentum into his first full campaign in F1. Speaking on the official Haas YouTube channel, Ocon told Bearman to ‘enjoy the moment’ in 2025, stressing he will ‘regret’ it if he does not.
“I don’t think you need any advise really, but if I could give you one, it would be just to enjoy the moment,” said Ocon.
“Because they don’t last forever and it’s important because we are so head down, so focused trying to extract everything every time.
“To put the head up a little bit and see your surroundings and just enjoy the moment. Because you will regret [it] if you don’t.”
Ferrari are keeping an eye on Olver Bearman in 2025
Bearman knows he must get ‘stronger and stronger’ during the 2025 season. There are several tracks on the calendar he has not driven before but his performances last year suggest he should not have a problem with that fact.
The battle between Ocon and the 19-year-old will be an interesting one, especially given the former’s record of crashing with his teammates in the past. Christian Danner thinks Ocon and Bearman will clash at some point in 2025 – something Komatsu will want to avoid.
Ferrari are keeping tabs on how Bearman handles Ocon at Haas this season. The Maranello outfit have the Brit lined up as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton when he retires from F1.
If Bearman can get the better of Ocon this season, it could edge him one step closer to the Ferrari seat. The 19-year-old will look to stamp his authority at Haas early doors.
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