Before the Canadian Grand Prix, it was announced that Esteban Ocon would be leaving Alpine at the end of 2024. This not only opens up a spot at the French racing stable, but also leaves Ocon without a contract for 2025. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu now reveals that the Frenchman is on his team’s shortlist.
“He’s a race winner, has achieved podium finishes, scored many points, and has worked with a few different teams,” Komatsu listed the reasons for Haas to consider Ocon, in an interview with Motorsport Week. His experience is particularly what Haas is looking for. “He’s also only 27, and therefore very young.”
Last April, Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg revealed that he would be leaving the American racing stable for Sauber from 2025. This has led the Haas team to search for a replacement. Ocon was reportedly already in talks with Haas before it was announced that he would be leaving Alpine. “I think the mix of a good young driver and then an experienced [driver] to give us the right reference would be a pretty good combination,” Komatsu shares the team’s desires.
Bearman Also an Option
If Haas indeed chooses Ocon, it could mean the end of Kevin Magnussen’s tenure at Haas. Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman is reportedly the most sought-after candidate for the other Haas seat. The Haas team boss indeed admits that Bearman is among the options: “We are evaluating him. If he wasn’t a contender, we wouldn’t let him drive in VT1, so the next time he’s in the car is in Barcelona.” Haas had previously confirmed that Bearman would be allowed to take the wheel during the first free practice of the Spanish Grand Prix.
