Esteban Ocon Set to Join Haas for 2025 as Oliver Bearman Replaces Nico Hulkenberg
In a major shake-up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, insiders at the British Grand Prix have revealed that Esteban Ocon is on the brink of signing a deal with Haas. This move is set to bolster the American team’s lineup, which will also feature 18-year-old Oliver Bearman, who will take over from Nico Hulkenberg as the latter transitions to Audi-Sauber.
Ayao Komatsu, Haas’s team principal, confirmed the decision to bring in Bearman, refuting claims that Ferrari, Haas’s technical partner, influenced the choice. “The decision was ours,” Komatsu told Ekstra Bladet. “It’s not like Ferrari forced us at all. Of course, we know Ollie is supported by Ferrari, so that’s the financial side, but that’s not all. It’s his speed, his work ethic, his attitude, how he communicates with the engineers, how he understands the whole program, what we’re looking for as a team, and how he adjusts his approach to it.”
Komatsu emphasized the importance of pairing rookie Bearman with an experienced driver, making Ocon, the departing Alpine driver, an ideal candidate. While Kevin Magnussen, with his extensive F1 experience, could have been a strong contender, signs have been indicating that the 31-year-old Danish racer is considering opportunities beyond Formula 1 for 2025.
Valtteri Bottas was also in the running for a seat at Haas but now seems more likely to join Williams. Bottas expressed his disappointment at being excluded from Sauber’s future plans with Audi. “I don’t want any headlines on this topic,” Bottas told Ilta Sanomat, “but yes, with all that was said last year, the team’s goals for the drivers would be that I would be the first driver to sign a contract. The team has talked to everyone about the other seat.”
At 34, Bottas remains optimistic about his future in F1 and has also received interest from IndyCar teams. “There have been enquiries from a lot of places over my career,” he noted.
With Ocon’s impending arrival and Bearman’s debut, Haas is poised for a dynamic new chapter, aiming to climb the competitive ranks of Formula 1.
