Haas Challenges Ocon for Consistent Pace After Brazilian GP Struggles
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has issued a public 'challenge' to Esteban Ocon to improve his qualifying pace and consistency, after a tough run of races for the French driver, including a Q1 exit and a mid-race puncture in Brazil. With Haas fighting for a crucial Constructors' Championship position, Komatsu stressed the importance of both drivers performing strongly to secure vital prize money, particularly highlighting the need for Ocon to match teammate Oliver Bearman's recent form.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has publicly challenged Esteban Ocon to improve his qualifying performance, emphasizing the team's need for both drivers to consistently deliver. This comes after Ocon's recent struggles, particularly in the Brazilian Grand Prix, where a Q1 exit and mid-race puncture hampered his efforts, contrasting with Oliver Bearman's strong run of form.
Why it matters:
Haas is locked in a fierce battle for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, with every position worth over $10 million in prize money. As the grid's smallest operation, this funding is critical for team development and future competitiveness. To secure this crucial financial boost, consistent two-car scoring is essential, placing increased pressure on both Ocon and Bearman to perform.
The Details:
- Ocon's Recent Struggles: Esteban Ocon has secured points in only one of his last six races (ninth in Mexico while battling illness). This contrasts sharply with Oliver Bearman, who has achieved four consecutive points finishes, including a career-best fourth in Mexico City.
- Brazilian GP Setback: In Brazil, Ocon exited Q1, prompting a setup change and a pit lane start. Despite recovering to 12th in the race, a mid-race puncture, similar to Max Verstappen's, cost him significant time and any chance of a points finish. He attributed his disappointing result to this "no luck" scenario.
- Team's Momentum: Komatsu highlighted the team's "great momentum" coming into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, fueled by Bearman's strong results. He stressed that Haas's mindset remains unchanged: "attack each race at a time."
- Vegas Circuit Challenges: Komatsu acknowledged the unique challenges of the Las Vegas circuit, particularly its long straight, but expressed confidence in the car's characteristics to perform well. He emphasized the importance of a strong qualifying performance from both drivers to maximize scoring potential.
What's next:
With three races remaining, Haas's focus is on optimizing both drivers' performance, especially in qualifying, to secure valuable Constructors' Championship points. Komatsu believes that with the right setup and driver execution, scoring with both cars is "100 percent" achievable. The team will need to hit the ground running in Las Vegas to capitalize on their recent momentum and make significant strides in the tight midfield battle.