Pre-season Formula 1 testing saw Haas experience a disappointing time that caused a setback for the team. Many fans and experts think that this might affect their 2025 season, especially as the beginning is so close. So let’s explore whether or not Haas is ready to bounce back after their testing failures.
The 2025 Formula 1 season is starting very soon. The first race is set to take place in Melbourne at on Sunday. Even after their setback, Haas is confident that they are able to address these issues and still compete in the Australian Grand Prix. However, it’s not just about addressing issues so they can compete in one race, it’s about ensuring the team will still be able to compete for the rest of the season.
Pre-season testing fail
Pre-season testing is a crucial time of the year in Formula 1. This is the first opportunity for each team to run their machinery and analyse its performance. Haas’ pre-season testing in Bahrain was far from ideal.
The team encountered a number of issues while Ollie Bearman was driving. This resulted in part of theVF-25’s bodywork coming loose, a chunk of the engine cover falling off and a crack appearing along the side of the car. This happened an hour and a half into the first morning session.
The team admitted to some changes which caused the issues. And while it was a setback, the team was able to conduct repairs and send the car back out on the track.
But after all, this is what testing is all about. It allowed the team to identify and fix the issues before the season started. Bearman has also shared that he’s feeling good and confident about the Australian Grand Prix, despite the setback.
Public perception and betting odds
Even without the setback, Haas was never among the favourites to secure a points, let alone a podium finish. The more favourable odds are focused on teams like McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, with leading drivers such as Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc dominating the betting markets.
Haas’s target throughout the season will be to accumulate as many points as possible. They are not expected to compete for the top spots in the Constructors’ Championship, but a surprise podium along the way is not out of the question.
For instance, Alpine achieved a double podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix last season. The odds reflect this, with Haas priced at 500/1 in the outright market for the Constructors’ Championship — only Racing Bulls share similar odds, while Sauber is even longer at 724/1.
With the championship kicking off this weekend, bookmakers are offering various betting bonuses, including free bets and enhanced odds available after sign-up. This provides fans with an opportunity to explore more competitive offers on their favourite teams and drivers. Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman’s odds certainly don’t look promising, as along with drivers like Lance Stroll, they are listed at 500/1. No surprises after Bahrain; it will be interesting to see what unfolds next.
Can Haas turn things around?
It’s not the end of the road for Haas. In fact the team has shared on a number of different occasions that they’re ready for the Australian Grand Prix. Although the pre-season testing was a setback. They were able to make adjustments to fix the issue. Discovering these issues early on is a blessing rather than later on in the season.
The 2025 season also brings some exciting additions to the team including two fresh faces on the driver line-up. This includes Oliver Bearman who was promoted to the Formula 1 last year and Esteban Ocon who was recently signed to Haas on a multi-year contract after leaving Alpine. Ocon is bringing his experience and skill to the team and the two are expected to complement each other nicely as a team.
What’s needed for a recovery?
The time between pre-season testing and the Australian Grand Prix has been crucial. In order for them to be ready for Albert Park and for a successful season, the team will need to focus on:
- Fixing reliability issues: Haas needs to ensure that the car is reliable enough to compete full race distances without any failures.
- Effective communication between drivers and engineers: Ocon and Bearman must work closely and communicate with the engineering team to highlight any issues before they become bigger problems. Feedback will also be essential throughout the season, to help ensure better car performance.
- A consistent performance: Consistency is essential for a mid-ranking team. Minor mistakes during qualifying and pit stops can cost valuable points.
- Strategic development: The team must be efficient in terms of car development, reacting quickly to performance gaps and bringing updates to every race is essential.
A road to recovery
The Haas Formula 1 team has shown an incredible amount of resilience in recent weeks. While their technical failures may have caused a setback, Haas has had the opportunity to recover and it will be interesting to see how they perform in Melbourne. But Haas could very well be the underdog, especially with their new team line-up. So all F1 fans should keep an eye out for them this season.
