Last Updated on April 16 2025, 9:13 am
Two drivers who can deliver: How Haas is thriving in P5 after a tumultuous start to the season – At the start of the 2025 Formula One season, few would have expected Haas to emerge as a serious contender for the title of best of the rest. But just a few races into the season, the American outfit have vaulted to fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, standing proudly behind the sport’s established elite.
Their resurgence was highlighted once again in Bahrain, where both Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman scored points in a race that underlined resilience, strategy and a renewed fighting spirit. After a dismal performance in Australia, where the team languished at the back of the grid, this turnaround marks a remarkable chapter in Haas’ journey.
A weekend that began in disappointment ended in celebration at Sakhir. Both Haas drivers put in strong performances, proving that the team has what it takes to compete consistently in the midfield and even punch above its weight on the right day.
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From rock bottom to midfield glory
The low point of Haas’ season so far came just a few weeks ago in Melbourne. The weekend at Albert Park was marked by a lack of pace, strategic errors and zero points. It was a sobering experience that left the team rooted to the bottom of the standings, their campaign in danger of slipping into irrelevance before it had even begun.
But in the world of Formula 1, fortunes can change quickly. Three races later, the story is very different. Bahrain was Haas’ second double points finish of the season, and with it a leap ahead of Williams in the standings. The team now sits in fifth place, behind the four powerhouses of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.
What makes this achievement all the more remarkable is the journey to get here. Ocon finished eighth at Sakhir, while Bearman bounced back from a miserable qualifying – where he started from the back of the grid – to take a hard-fought tenth place. That kind of grit and execution is what separates the contenders from the contenders.
Ayao Komatsu looks on the bright side
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu was all smiles after the race, delighted with the way his team bounced back from adversity. Saturday’s qualifying session had ended in disappointment, with Bearman struggling for confidence and Ocon ending his day in the barriers. But rather than dwell on the setbacks, the team regrouped and approached Sunday with laser focus.
“What a day,” said Komatsu afterwards. “I am very happy – especially after yesterday’s disappointment. Nobody gave up. We knew what we had to do today, we knew the car was fast and we had two drivers who could do it.”
The phrase “two drivers who could deliver” may well become the team’s mantra going forward. While the raw pace of the VF-25 may not be in the same league as the front runners, the car is clearly no slouch – and in the hands of Ocon and Bearman, it’s proving to be a consistent points scorer.
Komatsu went on to highlight the collective spirit and commitment that has driven the team’s success. “Honestly, the way we ran the race, the way the drivers drove – we were determined, we were proactive, we weren’t afraid,” he said. “I’m really proud to see how everyone deals with disappointment.”
“That’s racing – there are ups and downs. It’s easy to celebrate the highs, but to perform like this after setbacks is not something you take for granted. It was another great team effort.”
Ocon’s redemption after qualifying crash
Esteban Ocon’s eighth-place finish came just 24 hours after a qualifying crash threatened to derail his weekend. He admitted the mistake weighed heavily on his mind, but was overjoyed to have made amends on Sunday.
“I’m super happy for the team because I disappointed them yesterday with my mistake,” said Ocon. “The car had more potential.”
Ocon was on the front foot from the start of the race. An excellent start from the line put him in contention for points immediately and the team’s aggressive strategy began to pay dividends. He even held off reigning world champion Max Verstappen for an impressive stretch, showing just how well the VF-25 can defend when in the right hands.
But not everything went smoothly. An ill-timed safety car neutralised some of Ocon’s hard work, as he had already pitted for hard tyres five laps earlier. This left him slightly vulnerable in the final stint, where he had to fend off a charging Yuki Tsunoda and even his own team-mate. However, Ocon held on, demonstrating his experience and cool head under pressure.
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Bearman makes the most of a lifeline
While Ocon’s performance was one of redemption, Bearman’s was nothing short of astonishing. Starting from the back of the grid, the young Briton clawed his way into the points in just his third race for Haas. It was a performance of grit, tyre management and defensive maturity far beyond his years.
He acknowledged the role the safety car played in turning the race in his favour, but was quick to point out that his first stint on the softs had laid the foundations. “Sure, the safety car was a bit of luck, but I felt really strong in the first stint,” said Bearman.
“The second stint on the hard tyres was a bit tricky, but we got the safety car, which was a bit of luck. Keeping the position after that is easier said than done when there are faster cars around you. I’m proud of my performance today and the team did a fantastic job as well.”
Bearman had to dig deep in the final laps, especially with Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli looming large in his mirrors. The Englishman had to not only defend, but also push forward whenever the opportunity presented itself. It was a balancing act, but one he performed with remarkable composure.
“After the safety car I had to defend my position against the Mercedes behind me and at the same time fight to get to the front – it was really tough,” said Bearman. “I’m very happy to have brought the team a point after a really difficult qualifying yesterday.”
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P5 and up: What it means for Haas
Fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship may not sound monumental, but for Haas it’s a huge achievement. The team has struggled for consistency and direction in recent years, but the early signs of 2025 point to a new era. The addition of Ocon’s experience and Bearman’s youthful exuberance has created a driver pairing capable of performing under pressure.
More importantly, Haas are no longer relying solely on the attrition in front of them to score points. They are now running in the top 10 on merit. The car has pace, the strategies are sharp and the drivers execute when it counts.
With VCARB, Sauber and Williams struggling to string together solid results, Haas are now in a position to lead the midfield – a place they haven’t occupied comfortably since their early days in F1.
If they can maintain this form and continue to develop the VF-25, there’s no reason why they can’t consolidate or even improve on their fifth place finish as the season progresses.
The road ahead
Of course, F1 seasons are long and unpredictable. A couple of DNFs or a run of bad luck can quickly reverse progress. But what Haas showed in Bahrain is that they can control what they can – and excel at it. Komatsu’s leadership, Ocon’s determination and Bearman’s growth are all coming together at the right time.
Many wrote Haas off after Australia. Three races later, they’re writing a very different story. One where two drivers can deliver – and a team once considered an also-ran is now turning heads in the paddock.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
