Oct.17 (GMM) Esteban Ocon determined to signal with Haas with out understanding the Ferrari-powered crew would go on to additionally announce a brand new alliance with Toyota.
Ocon, whose relationship with the flailing Alpine crew fell aside in 2024, had additionally been linked with Audi – shocking many insiders along with his eventual selection.
However present Haas racer Nico Hulkenberg, who really has signed with Audi-Sauber for 2025 and past, just isn’t stunned Ocon opted for the Ayao Komatsu-led crew.
“The technical division was fully restructured on the finish of final yr,” mentioned the German. “Your complete technical equipment has been operating rather more easily since then.
“And from what I’ve heard, the crew has some attention-grabbing initiatives within the works, which I feel will solely profit them,” Hulkenberg added. “I feel Haas will likely be a severe competitor within the coming years, particularly subsequent yr, as a result of the laws will stay unchanged.”
With Toyota now on board, Haas will proceed to collaborate technically with Ferrari, together with utilizing the Maranello-made engine and gearbox.
However Haas will now have the ability to faucet into Cologne primarily based Toyota Gazoo’s services, personnel and element manufacturing capabilities – a transfer that may simply clarify Ocon’s eagerness to hitch the crew.
Nonetheless, crew boss Komatsu says the French driver was fully unaware {that a} Toyota deal was maybe within the works when he determined to join 2025.
“I informed him we’ve got a growth plan to take this crew ahead – a big step change if you’ll,” mentioned the Japanese. “However on the level once I wished to finalise Esteban’s contract – roughly round Austria – it was too early to ensure something.
“I didn’t need to inform Esteban one thing I couldn’t assure,” Ayao Komatsu added. “If he indicators with this in thoughts, I can’t inform him three months later ‘Sorry, it didn’t work out’.”
