As the summer break approaches, the dominos are beginning to fall in the F1 driver market. Mere days ago, Haas announced Oliver Bearman as their first driver for 2025. Haas explained they still haven’t finalised an agreement on a second driver. However, there is now a clear favourite for who will race alongside Bearman next year – Esteban Ocon.
Since the rather abrupt announcement of Ocon’s departure from Alpine, he has been linked with several teams. Despite the controversies surrounding the 27-year-old, he is a well-respected driver in the paddock. His respectable record against Gasly this year (alongside an impressive head-to-head against Alonso) has certainly contributed to this.
Most outfits in the midfield, from Haas to Williams to Sauber, have kept Ocon on their radar.
However, it is understood that Haas is the Frenchman’s most likely destination. For several months now, the three-time podium finisher has been negotiating with Haas.
The squad led by Ayao Komatsu has defied expectations this year. They are currently 7th in the standings, several points ahead of Alpine. With fresh leadership, the last six months have seen the American team re-assert themselves in the midfield.
Not only are Haas competitive in their own right, but they potentially offer a stepping stone to Ferrari. After all, Fred Vasseur’s team heavily influenced the Bearman appointment.
CIRCUIT DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA, SPAIN – JUNE 23: Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team, on the grid during the Spanish GP at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday June 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images)
Why Haas are a sensible step for Ocon
On a more basic level, Komatsu’s team can offer Ocon a multi-year deal in F1, securing the Frenchman’s place on the grid. In addition, if he joined Haas, Ocon would become the benchmark for Ferrari’s youngest talent.
Even if Ferrari do not see Ocon as a realistic option, Haas are still a strong platform for the 27-year-old to secure results and prove his speed once more.
Formu1a.uno discussed the strong likelihood of Ocon joining Haas several weeks ago, with racingnews365 now reporting that an agreement is done. Although there is no confirmation of a contract, every indication suggests this move will happen.
Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Antonelli are the favourites to join Williams, whilst Sauber are looking at various options elsewhere.
Like most drivers, Ocon wants to avoid a scenario where he is waiting until late in the season to sign a contract. Therefore, both from a pragmatic and optimistic perspective, there are many reasons why this deal is mutually beneficial.
Haas will undoubtedly miss Nico Hulkenberg next year. The German has quite irrefutably been their best-performing driver in their relatively short F1 history.
By signing Ocon, Ayao Komatsu’s team can ensure they still have an established driver as a benchmark.
