Ocon Focused on Building Haas' Future Performance

Esteban Ocon is setting his sights on the final six races of the 2025 Formula 1 season to significantly advance Haas's development for the upcoming 2026 regulations and beyond. The Frenchman, who has scored 28 points this season, five more than his 2024 total, acknowledges the tight midfield battle and the need for improved car performance.

Why it matters:

• Ocon's strategic focus on the remaining races underscores a long-term vision for Haas, critical as the team navigates the intense midfield competition and prepares for significant regulatory changes in 2026.
• His experience and leadership are vital for a team aiming to climb the Constructors' Championship standings and optimize car development alongside rookie teammate Oliver Bearman.
• The push for performance now can lay crucial groundwork for future success, especially given the current grid's competitiveness where even small gains can yield significant results.

The Details:

• Season Performance: Ocon has accumulated 28 points in 2025, surpassing his 2024 total, placing him 15th in a fiercely contested championship.
• Car Development Challenges: Ocon noted that the car has rarely felt 'complete' on new tires this season, a key indicator for optimal performance during race weekends. He hopes the upcoming races will suit their car better.
• Mentorship Role: As a senior driver, Ocon has embraced his role alongside rookie Oliver Bearman, emphasizing their positive working relationship and Bearman's fresh perspective.
• Constructors' Battle: Haas is currently ninth in the Constructors' Championship, locked in a tight fight for sixth place with Sauber, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls, with only 36 points separating the four teams.
• Podium Pragmatism: Despite other midfield teams securing podiums, Ocon realistically believes Haas has not yet earned a podium position due to missed opportunities and execution challenges during critical race moments.

Between the lines:

Ocon's commentary reveals a driver deeply invested in the team's engineering challenges and long-term trajectory rather than just immediate results. His emphasis on a 'perfect weekend' and 'doing things right' reflects a methodical approach to car development and race strategy, crucial for a team like Haas aiming to punch above its weight. His leadership in integrating Bearman and focusing on car characteristics highlights his role as a key contributor to Haas's strategic future, not just a points-scorer.

What's next:

• Ocon aims to leverage the remaining six races to extract more performance from the current car, which will be instrumental in informing Haas's direction for the 2026 regulations.
• The team's ongoing battle for a higher Constructors' Championship finish will depend heavily on consistent performance and strategic execution in these final rounds.
• Ocon's continued feedback and collaboration with the engineering team will be critical as Haas looks to overcome current car limitations and build a more competitive package for future seasons.

Of note: Away from the track, Ocon recently collaborated with Mansory and Lamborghini to design a custom Revuelto model, reflecting his personal passion for cars. He also praised the 'human side' of F1 demonstrated by the recent test session for Romain Grosjean, a rare quality he believes is often overlooked in the business-driven nature of the sport today, but not at Haas.