Haas is about to enter a new era of it’s F1 journey as it welcomes two new drivers for the 2025 Formula One season.
After a surprise surge up the pecking order in 2024, could this be the year that Haas cements itself higher up in the championship.
The leadership of Ayao Komatsu has been an inspired change so will that carry on into the tenth season for the American team.
The Drivers
It’s all change at Haas for 2025. Esteban Ocon comes in from Alpine as the experienced head in the team.
The Frenchman has the seventh most starts on the grid, and more than Yuki Tsunoda, Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson combined.
Ocon famously has one Grand Prix win to his name after his 2021 win in Hungary.
A souring relationship with Alpine caused Ocon to seek friendlier skies for 2025. After beating Max Verstappen to the 2014 European F3 title, there’s a feeling we haven’t seen the best of Ocon.
For 2025, Ocon will be partnered with the promising rookie Oliver Bearman.
Raicng the number 87, Bearman already has three F1 starts to his name in 2024. His debut in Jeddah for the ill Carlos Sainz for Ferrari turned heads and earned him a spot on the grid.
Bearman had a tough F2 season in 2024, but there are few doubts over the Brits potential. Also, his mature head on young shoulders is particularly impressive for a rookie.
However, Haas will have worries about two new drivers after a difficult 2021 season with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazapin.
The Car
Haas’ livery for 2025 followed the black and white livery the team has used in recent years.
Worryingly, the car remains with relatively few sponsors on, something Haas will be keen to change.
However, Toyota’s influence on the team is something to watch out for in 2025, with new Japanese sponsors and changes expected.
Pre-season test
Undoubtedly, it was an interesting test for Haas. After focusing mainly on long runs in Bahrain, it’s 9th fastest time is likely not representative of its real position.
During the test, a curious bodywork incident saw Ollie Bearman lose some of his engine cover. Haas explained the incident as the team being “too aggressive“.
Haas manager 457 laps during testing. That’s just one less that the lap count leaders McLaren.
Opinion
Despite the headline figures not being amazing, there is, nevertheless, a positive feeling going into 2025 for the American team.
They seem to have the mix of experience and youth spot on. Bearman is certainly the rookie to keep an eye on this season.
On the other hand, Haas are known to turn their attention to new regulations quite aggressively and might do again ahead of 2026.
If they do the same in 2025, that will undoubtedly impact results on the track this season.
Prediction
Haas look to be in a decent position for 2025. Whilst teams above them have shown less development, some behind them have shown quicker development.
A year of treading water for Haas lies ahead, with seventh place giving them something to build on in 2026.
Don’t be surprised if Haas score one or two surprise results this season though, their drivers have that potential.