Official: Esteban Ocon to join Haas in Formula 1 for 2025

Ocon, out of contract with Alpine, has signed a multi-year contract with Haas, he will join the American team in 2025 alongside Oliver Bearman.

This recruitment of a more experienced driver shows Haas’ ambition to strengthen and aim for even higher performances in the seasons to come. With experience gained at Renault and Alpine, Ocon brings valuable experience that could help Haas climb in the Formula 1 championship. “I am delighted that we have secured the services of Esteban Ocon for the MoneyGram Haas F1 team. I have obviously known his talents for a long time and our personal history dates back to Esteban’s first Formula 1 car test,” said Ayao Komatsu, team principal at Haas. “The experience he brings, not only through his own talent but also through his work with a constructor team, will be advantageous for us in our growth as an organization,” Komatsu acknowledged.

Ocon’s signing with Haas also comes with the confirmation of Oliver Bearman as the second driver for the 2025 season. Bearman, a young talent in Formula 2, will bring freshness to the team, while Ocon will offer solid experience. This duo could well be the key to success for Haas in the seasons to come. “We have a mix of youth and experience in our future driver lineup, and I can’t wait to see the results,” said Gene Haas, team principal.

Esteban Ocon, who had already dropped a few hints about a place in Formula 1, seems to have finally been able to fulfill his wish. A dream that he will now fulfill alongside a team full of ambition. “I will be joining a very ambitious racing team, whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory really impressed me,” he confirmed in the press release. “The MoneyGram Haas F1 team has exciting plans and clear goals for the future, and I am very excited to work with everyone in Kannapolis, Banbury, and Maranello, and be part of this great project,” he concluded.

Alpine had confirmed earlier in the season that they did not want to extend their second French driver, a decision that could have depended on his relationship with Pierre Gasly, who signs with Alpine for a new contract in 2025. Furthermore, the interest of Ayao Komatsu, Haas team principal, played a decisive role in the driver’s decision, who seemed convinced.

The departure of Ocon from Alpine also opens up opportunities for other drivers. The team hopes to sign Carlos Sainz to replace Ocon, although Jack Doohan is also a potential candidate. Furthermore, Kevin Magnussen will have to leave Haas at the end of this season, marking a complete change of drivers for the American team, with Nico Hülkenberg already having announced his departure to join Stake F1, the future Audi team.

While waiting for the official announcement from the other teams, Formula 1 fans can look forward to an exciting 2025 season with this surprising duo of drivers.