Esteban Ocon was long considered a difficult teammate, but he has changed his reputation at Haas – and provided what is probably the decisive proof of this at Spa
Before joining Haas at the start of this Formula 1 season, Esteban Ocon was often accused of not being a team player. However, his new team boss Ayao Komatsu is convinced that the Frenchman has now proved his critics wrong.
In the current season of “Drive to Survive,” Komatsu is asked by a colleague whether he is really sure that Ocon is the right driver for the team. The signing had raised questions in the run-up to the season, especially after Ocon’s collision with his then Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly in Monaco the previous year. At the time, there was even speculation that Alpine might suspend him for the following race in Canada.
Komatsu justified the move at the time with Ocon’s work ethic and emphasized that he would find the right environment to reach his potential in the Haas team. A year later, the Japanese feels vindicated in his decision.
What the race in Spa says about Ocon
For Komatsu, the proof lies in a scene at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps. There, Ocon voluntarily let his teammate Oliver Bearman pass because he believed the Brit was faster at that point. Ocon had opted for a setup with less downforce, which caused him to struggle in the middle sector on the damp track and wear his tires more heavily.
“I didn’t need to give a radio message,” Komatsu explained in an interview with the English-language edition of Motorsport.com. “Esteban let Ollie pass on his own initiative. That’s the answer for me. Both drivers are showing great team spirit.”
The Haas team boss emphasized that clear agreements in advance of such situations are crucial. Before the race at Spa, it was discussed internally that with different setups, there would inevitably be phases where one car would be significantly faster. The overtaking maneuver therefore took place without discussion.
Ocon is thriving in his new team
The incident between Ocon and Bearman at Silverstone did not cause any dispute either. Due to the difficult track conditions with only one dry line, there was contact, but both drivers subsequently discussed the matter openly. Komatsu praised the fact that team orders and position changes at Haas are implemented without resistance.
For the Japanese, this harmonious cooperation is based on a clear foundation of trust, transparency, and respect. This foundation was partially lost at Ocon’s previous Formula 1 teams, but is being continuously strengthened at Haas.
“Everyone is human. If a driver doesn’t trust the team or vice versa, then that’s not a good starting point,” said Komatsu. “We want openness, honesty, and involvement. Esteban has had good and bad phases in his career, but now we have created this foundation and are continuing to build on it. The foundation is there.”
