A brand new driver line up led Haas to an eighth place finish in the Constructors’ Championship in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Esteban Ocon, who came to the team after parting ways rather bitterly with Alpine, became the de facto team leader, as the most experienced driver on the team. Oliver Bearman, one of the six rookies on the grid, took the second seat after performing well in his step-in appearances for both Ferrari and Haas in the 2024 F1 season. The pairing performed well over the course of the year, earning five double points finishes, and 79 total points for the team. Let’s dive deeper into Haas’ 2025 season.
New Veteran
Starting at a new team is always difficult, even for a seasoned Formula 1 driver like Esteban Ocon. In the first year of his multiyear deal with the Haas Formula 1 team, expectations were quite measured on the whole, with most viewers and journalists understanding that the team were planning to build towards success over the course of a few seasons, rather than have all the answers straight away (especially considering the team opted to hire rookie driver Bearman in the other seat). Scoring 38 points over the 24 races of the season, Ocon outscored his 2024 points tally, but finished 15th overall in the Drivers’ Championship (one place lower than 2024). More points, but one less position is not a bad trade off. On top of this, he only retired once this season, which is a huge improvement over seasons passed. This at least suggests that, where the Haas car may lack in speed, it certainly is more reliable than some others cars in the middle, or perhaps nearer to the bottom, of the pack. The 2025 season, while not a spectacular performance by any means, showcased that Ocon and Haas have a good foundation from which they can build over the course of his multiyear stint at the team. With the regulation change for 2026, they have the chance to climb the championship ladder if they execute their plans well.
Rookie on the Rise
Oliver Bearman had an air of excitement surrounding him at the beginning of the season. Subbing for Carlos Sainz last season, and performing well, encouraged fans and media to view him as the next big thing in F1, and roused expectation. He performed well in general, earning nine points finishes across the season. This is a great number for a rookie. He had an especially good run of form near the tail end of the season, following upgrades to the Haas car, between the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. During this period of great performances, he scored points in five consecutive races, including an emotional, season high P4 at the Mexican Grand Prix. Despite three DNFs spread throughout the season, and periods of no points, he stayed on track to finish strong. The toughest thing, at least initially, for Bearman seemed to be the lack of competitiveness of the Haas car, and how this affected his confidence. Their car was a far cry from the Ferrari he drove in his previous F1 appearance, but he soon understood that this is what he had to work with, and work with it he did.
Overall, when taking into consideration that this is his rookie season, he did incredibly well. Hopefully next year, the team will hit the regulation changes right, and provide a car to elevate his performance in his second Formula 1 season.
The Best is Yet to Come …?
Haas did have an upward trajectory this season. At the half way point, they were in P9 in the Constructors’, which they managed to increase to a P8 by the end of the season. However, this was a worse end position than in 2024, where the team finished in seventh place overall, despite earning 21 more points than their 2024 tally. Always a midfield team, Haas is in the fight constantly, but they remain far off the pace to contend seriously for podiums or wins. Their highest team finish this season came from Bearman, who took P4 in Mexico, while Ocon’s best was only good enough for a P5 in China. Great results, especially for a team like Haas that has gone full seasons pointless in years past, but not the trophy winning positions they so desperately crave. Perhaps, with both drivers retained for the 2026 season, Haas can build on the 2025 Formula 1 season. If they get the new regulations right, and build a good car, they are well positioned to improve on last season’s results.
Featured image credit: haasf1team.com
Alexandra Peet
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