The Haas VF-25 damaged during the shakedown at Silverstone
After Lewis Hamilton, a second incident occurred in 2025. Several photos circulated on social media showing the new car of the American team, driven by Esteban Ocon, damaged.
A first setback for Haas. While the team aimed to keep a low profile at the start of the season with the first shakedown of the 2025 car conducted away from prying eyes, it unfortunately has garnered attention since. The reason: damage observed on the American single-seater driven by Frenchman Esteban Ocon, who was recruited this year from Alpine.
The right side of the car damaged.
In the images taken by photographer Cameron Hardy, a damaged right side is observed, particularly at the sidepod with a cover that has come off. Despite this, the incident did not have significant consequences. Ocon returned directly to the pits, and the mechanics were able to quickly repair the car, allowing the Frenchman to get back on the track immediately.
Haas wants to get closer to the race leaders.
Despite this incident, Haas has ambitions this season. After a successful 2024 campaign, Gene Haas’s team hopes to do even better this season and perhaps become the best of the rest. To achieve this, the team has made many changes, particularly regarding the drivers with an entirely new duo, blending youth and experience. Esteban Ocon, a former Alpine driver, has joined the team based in Kannapolis. He will be supported by Oliver Bearman, a former German and Italian F4 champion, who has already competed in three Grand Prix last season (2 with Haas and 1 with Ferrari).
The Briton will have the opportunity to test his new single-seater next week during a second shakedown, which will be held directly in Bahrain, where the first round of the season will take place. It’s a way to assess the pace of the British driver but also to get a glimpse of the progress made by Haas this winter. The battle in the midfield promises to be tighter than ever.
