Ocon will be the first Grand Prix winner to drive for the team since its inception in 2016.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Esteban Ocon, 27, brings a wealth of experience to Haas, with 146 career starts and a career spanning stints with Manor, Force India, Renault, and Alpine. Ocon has scored 425 points in his career, including three podiums and a memorable maiden victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ocon's relationship with Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu dates back to 2014 when Komatsu engineered Ocon's first F1 test with Lotus at Valencia. Team owner Gene Haas emphasized the importance of having a driver with a proven pedigree in F1, noting Ocon's consistent performance and ability to score points as key factors in the decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was important to me that we have a driver with a known pedigree in Formula 1, and as a Grand Prix winner, Esteban undoubtedly fits that brief,\" said Gene Haas in a statement released by team on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEsteban\u2019s proved himself in the teams he\u2019s raced for as someone who\u2019s continually in the mix and scoring points \u2013 it\u2019s that continuity we\u2019re keen to capitalise on as we look for increased performance gains on-track. We have a blend of youth and experience in our future driver line-up and I\u2019m excited to see the results.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Esteban Ocon expressed his excitement about joining Haas, praising the team's spirit, work ethic, and ambitious plans for the future. He also looked forward to reuniting with Komatsu and contributing to Haas's growth trajectory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be joining a very ambitious racing team, whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory has really impressed me.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Esteban Ocon expressed his excitement about joining Haas, praising the team's spirit, work ethic, and ambitious plans for the future. He also looked forward to reuniting with Komatsu and contributing to Haas's growth trajectory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n