Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has revealed that Esteban Ocon’s “determination and work ethic” are two assets that inspired him to sign him over other Formula 1 drivers.
The American squad will embark upon the upcoming campaign – the team’s 10th in F1 – with a revamped driver line-up as Ocon partners Ferrari prospect Oliver Bearman.
Haas was consigned to a change occurring last April when the anticipated news broke that Nico Hulkenberg would be moving on to Sauber as it prepares to transition into Audi.
But while Bearman, who deputised at two races last season, was soon announced to be stepping up to fill that void, Haas had several options to slot alongside the Briton.
Valtteri Bottas, who has since lost his drive with Sauber, divulged that talks had taken place with Komatsu, while Kevin Magnussen was also in the running to retain his position.
However, Ocon’s decision to end his long association with Alpine saw him become Haas’ leading target and the move was announced even prior to the summer break.
Komatsu has insisted Ocon’s experience, having made 156 starts, combined with his age made him the ideal candidate to help it build upon its sixth-place finish last season.
“I wanted someone still young,” Komatsu told RacingNews365. “Young and experienced. Esteban was 27 [years of age] when I signed him, so still very young.
“And yes, he’s got podiums, he’s scored so many points, but I think he’s still got lots to improve [on] as well.
“So I wanted somebody hungry, but a known quantity and young enough. But determination and work ethic was the big thing [for me], because we’re such a small team.
“We’ve still got lots of areas in the process and methodology that is lacking.”
Haas has replaced Hulkenberg traits
Hulkenberg moving to a potential midfield rival has been viewed as a sizeable loss to Haas, with the German responsible for 41 of the 57 points that the squad scored in 2024.
But Komatsu believes that, in Ocon, Haas has replaced the best traits that Hulkenberg brought to the table, including the relentless will to push the team to improve in all areas.
“What Nico did very well, was really driving that, being a part of the centre of the team; driving, development direction, being part of discussions about how we should develop the car,” he added.
“I wanted somebody to do that actively, rather than just turning up on the race weekend and driving, or turning up to a simulator session when we ask him to.
“I just wanted somebody who is very driven by himself, determined to improve himself, improve the team, just non-stop. And Esteban’s that kind of character.”
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