In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 paddock, Esteban Ocon is set to join Haas for the 2025 season on a multi-year deal. The French driver, who has been a consistent performer in the sport, will bring his talent and experience to the American team in a bid to elevate their competitiveness.
Ocon’s journey in Formula 1 has been marked by resilience and skill. Having driven for several teams, including Force India, Renault, and most recently, Alpine, he has garnered a reputation for his determination and ability to extract performance from his car. His switch to Haas signifies a fresh chapter in his career and a new challenge to tackle.
Haas, on the other hand, has been steadily rebuilding and looking to make a stronger impact in the midfield. With Ocon’s addition, the team aims to leverage his expertise to develop their car further and push for more consistent points finishes. Team Principal Guenther Steiner expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, “Esteban is a fantastic driver with a proven track record. We believe his experience and skill set will be invaluable as we continue to grow and compete at a higher level.”
Esteban Ocon himself shared his enthusiasm for the new opportunity, stating, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my F1 career and join an ambitious racing team whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory has impressed me. I’d like to thank Gene and Ayao for our honest and fruitful discussions these last few months. Haas F1 Team has big plans and clear targets for the future, and I am looking forward to reuniting with Ayao (my first-ever F1 race engineer!), as well as working with everyone in Kannapolis, Banbury, and Maranello. For now, my focus and energy are still fully dedicated to @AlpineF1Team. We’ve got 11 races to go this year and I am more motivated than ever to end my five-year collaboration with the team on a high.”
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how this new partnership will unfold. Ocon’s move to Haas not only shakes up the driver market but also adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming seasons. As both Ocon and Haas prepare for their new collaboration, the 2025 season promises to be one to watch.
By: Nutsugah Francis – Ahotor Sports Desk