Esteban Ocon,

F1 News: Haas admits 2025 contract talks with Esteban Ocon

(GMM) Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon is in the running for a 2025 race seat. Amid Alpine’s deep performance slump at present, rumors have been swirling that while Pierre Gasly may stay beyond 2024, Esteban Ocon is looking around at his options.

“We don’t feel any pressure about the driver market because we have two good drivers,” team boss Bruno Famin insisted at Monaco. “We will be happy to continue with them.”

Haas, however, has at least one seat to fill, after Nico Hulkenberg recently signed for Audi-owned Sauber. Ferrari-backed Oliver Bearman is the favorite to secure that place.

But Kevin Magnussen’s seat for 2025 is not yet secure, as he grapples to emerge from a dip in form. “We are talking to some drivers,” confirmed team boss Ayao Komatsu in Monaco.

Ayao Komatsu, Chief Engineer, Haas F1 Team, and Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team, on the grid during the Miami GP at Miami International Autodrome on Sunday May 07, 2023 in Miami, United States of America. (Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images)
Ayao Komatsu, Chief Engineer, Haas F1 Team, and Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team, on the grid during the Miami GP at Miami International Autodrome on Sunday May 07, 2023 in Miami, United States of America. (Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images for Haas team)

“I have no reason to close the door on anyone at this point,” he is quoted by Ekstra Bladet newspaper.

“If someone comes to see us, has an interest in us, I will not close the door. Esteban (Ocon) is one of them, but one of many.”

Haas has taken a clear step forward in 2024, even if both cars were excluded after qualifying on Saturday when scrutineers discovered the DRS opening was illegal.

Komatsu, however, enthused: “Of course, sporting results are noticed by everyone. I feel grateful that some current F1 drivers are interested in our team.”

Last Updated May 26, 2024

2025 AutoRacing1.com F1 Silly Season Page
Team Engine No. Driver Nat. Rating Comments
Audi Sauber Ferrari 27 Nico Hulkenberg Germany Fact Signed
55 Carlos Sainz Jr. Spain Strong Will replace Bottas
Alpine F1 Team Renault 10 Pierre Gasly France Strong Expected back
61 Jack Doohan Australia Speculation Waiting in the wings
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team Mercedes 14 Fernando Alonso Spain Fact Signed thru 2026
18 Lance Stroll Canada Fact Daddy owns the team
Ferrari Ferrari 16 Charles Leclerc Monaco Fact Signed thru 2028
44 Lewis Hamilton England Fact Signed thru 2026
Moneygram Haas F1 Team Ferrari 31 Esteban Ocon France Speculation Could replace Kevin Magnussen
38 Oliver Bearman England Strong Expected to replace Hulkenberg
McLaren F1 Team Mercedes 4 Lando Norris England Fact Signed
81 Oscar Piastri Australia Fact Signed
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes 12 Kimi Antonelli Italy Speculation Could replace Hamilton
55 Carlos Sainz Jr. Spain Speculation Could replace Hamilton
63 George Russell England Fact Signed thru 2025
Red Bull Racing Honda 1 Max Verstappen Netherlands Fact Signed thru 2028
11 Sergio Perez Mexico Speculation Could be re-signed for 1 year
22 Yuki Tsunoda Japan Speculation Could replace Perez for 1 year
55 Carlos Sainz Jr. Spain Speculation Could replace Perez
Visa Cash App RB Honda 22 Yuki Tsunoda Japan Strong Expected back
40 Liam Lawson Australia Strong Expected to replace struggling Ricciardo
Williams Racing Mercedes 12 Kimi Antonelli Italy Speculation Could replace Sargeant
23 Alex Albon Thailand Fact Signed
77 Valtteri Bottas Finland Speculation Could replace Sargeant