Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has explained how Esteban Ocon is “setting the benchmark” for his rookie Formula 1 team-mate Oliver Bearman.
After two seasons with Grand Prix veterans, Haas has an all-new driver line-up for 2025 in Ocon and Bearman.
The duo is an exciting partnership for Haas, a proven winner eager for further success and an exciting rookie who stunned the world during his stand-in appearances last season.
Reflecting on their integration at Haas during pre-season testing, Komatsu revealed to select media including Motorsport Week how Ocon is setting a great example to Bearman.
“Yeah, it’s [been] really good, really good,” Komatsu said of working with his new drivers.
“Esteban’s exactly what we expected. He’s really determined, motivated, has attention to detail, working really hard with engineers.
“[He’s] very, very easy to work with and very precise. And also the tyre management, he’s very good, [with] really good experience.
“So it’s really good that he’s kind of like setting the benchmark for Ollie in that respect.
“Even the qualifying simulation, you saw how strong Ollie was last year in qualifying, but even then, with the new car, adapting to it, et cetera, it’s really good to have somebody like Esteban to set the benchmark.”
Ocon and Bearman ‘collaborating’ well
Komatsu didn’t stop short of just praising Ocon and hailed the approach that Bearman has applied to the step up to a permanent race drive in F1.
The Briton has the benefit of two Grands Prix and multiple FP1 appearances with Haas last year and Komatsu has enjoyed working with his rookie star,
“Ollie, again, is very good to work with,” he said.
“He’s a positive guy and then, again, hardworking, very, very open.”
Speaking of his team-mate ahead of the F1 75 season launch event, Bearman said “It’s been nice to get to know [Ocon].
“He’s of course got a lot of experience in F1 that I can take and learn from, so I’m excited for our season together.”
Of the duo’s relationship together, Komatsu added that “both of them just are collaborating very well as well.
“So far, it’s been really nice, really nice.”
With Haas widely expected to be at the forefront of F1’s midfield in 2025, having drivers in harmony will be key to the team’s success.
Both Hulkenberg and Magnussen played the team game well in 2024 and the word from Haas’ boss suggests that trend is set to continue with the team’s new line-up.
READ MORE – Haas’ line-up pits experience versus youth with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman
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