Esteban Ocon has found a significantly healthier working environment at Haas, believing his move a year ago is now paying off, both in results and team atmosphere. He considers Oliver Bearman his best teammate yet, a stark contrast to previous turbulent relationships with drivers like Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez.Ocon highlights their shared passion for racing and the absence of politics as key to their strong partnership.
Why it matters
Ocon's past struggles with teammate relationships are well-documented. His current positive dynamic with Bearman is crucial for team morale and performance, signaling a more unified approach at Haas.
The details
- Shared Passion and "Hooligan" Spirit: Ocon affectionately calls Bearman a "hooligan" due to his youthful exuberance and passion. He recalls a Goodwood challenge where Bearman spectacularly turned wet tires into slicks with an impressive burnout, even outsmarting the car's computer. "I would not have had the balls to do something like that!" Ocon admitted.
- Team Collaboration: Team boss Ayao Komatsu praised both drivers. At Spa, Ocon voluntarily let Bearman pass without team orders. Even their clash at Silverstone, which cost Haas points, was swiftly resolved. The drivers and Komatsu discussed the incident immediately after the race, preventing media escalation.
What it means
Ocon noted the lack of lingering tension after Silverstone, unlike past incidents. "We are very straight and honest between ourselves," he explained. This open communication and willingness to learn from mistakes have strengthened their bond. Ocon states, "With him I probably have the best relationship out of all the team-mates I had. We really get along super well and it's nice to have such atmosphere inside the team and the track."
This unified approach, extending to Komatsu, is fostering a positive and productive environment at Haas.