Haas has kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season with a bang, showcasing one of the strongest performances in the team’s history. Only eclipsed by their impressive 2019 campaign, which saw them rack up 93 points, this year the team clinched 79 points, finishing in eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship. The results from 14 Grand Prix races highlight a team that has finally found its footing, consistently scoring points amid fierce competition. Yet, despite these commendable achievements, the final ranking leaves fans wanting more.
The intense rivalry within the championship has made life difficult for Haas, yet their on-track performances signal a squad that is gradually unearthing the solutions needed to elevate their competitiveness for the long haul. Under the astute leadership of Ayao Komatsu, Haas appears to be on a promising trajectory, not only enhancing their own capabilities but also strengthening ties with Toyota, which could lead to even more exciting prospects in the future.
A key focus for the Haas VF-25 was to address the excessive tire degradation that plagued the previous season. Instead of chasing quick gains in qualifying, the team opted for a more balanced and predictable car that performs better over long stints. This strategic shift has paid off, allowing them to convert mid-field grid positions into valuable points with greater consistency.
In several races, including Monaco, Austria, and Singapore, Esteban Ocon noted significant improvements in traction and low-speed handling—critical elements for strong performances in the latter stages of races. Enhanced rear-end stability, particularly through the rear wing modifications, has made the VF-25 less erratic than its predecessor, providing a more reliable driving experience when exiting corners.
However, challenges remain. The VF-25 continues to struggle in high-speed corners, where it lags behind competitors, an issue that became evident in the early races of the season. The car’s inability to maintain a low profile without sacrificing stability has hindered performance on faster circuits.
The standout moments of the season came during the races in China and Mexico, where Haas secured a total of 14 points each weekend. These results reflect a competitive package that thrived in vastly different environments: Shanghai’s aerodynamic efficiency and Mexico City’s demanding tire management amidst thin air. The combination of Ocon’s experience and Oliver Bearman’s rising form in the latter half of the year proved vital in keeping Haas ahead of their direct rivals.
Haas’s decision to field a completely new driver lineup has proven fruitful. Ocon delivered a consistent point haul in the early season, while Bearman gained momentum as the year progressed, eventually surpassing his teammate in points by season’s end.
Oliver Bearman finished the championship in 13th place with an impressive 41 points, affirming his status as a long-term prospect in the eyes of Ferrari. The season began with typical rookie struggles, including incidents and early exits in qualifying. However, his performance peaked during the Mexican Grand Prix, where he secured an outstanding fourth place—Haas’s best individual result of the year. His ability to handle pressure and maintain competitiveness throughout the race weekend reflected his growth and justified Haas’s investment in a promising rookie.
Esteban Ocon, finishing just behind Bearman in 15th with 38 points, had a mixed debut season with Haas. While he anchored the team’s scoring in the early races, taking advantage of a still-volatile car, he ultimately found himself overshadowed by Bearman’s rapid ascent. Ocon’s highlight came in China with a fifth-place finish, a result that significantly boosted Haas’s point tally. As the season progressed, Ocon faced mounting pressure from Bearman, who became the faster driver in the closing stages of the season. The two drivers scored points in ten races, but Bearman’s early consistency proved decisive.
Overall, Haas’s 2025 season has been a blend of promise and growth, setting the stage for what could be an exciting future. With a solid foundation laid, the team is poised to build on this momentum as they aim for greater success in the seasons to come.
