Ayao Komatsu reports on the surprise within the Haas team following Esteban Ocon’s exit: Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman is eagerly watching rookie Rafael Camara
The decision to remove Esteban Ocon from the Haas cockpit ahead of schedule apparently came as a surprise even to large parts of the team. Team principal Ayao Komatsu explains that he had to inform the team on Saturday morning in Mexico that Ocon would no longer be driving and that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa would take his place.
” “When I had to tell the staff on Saturday morning: ‘Esteban isn’t driving any more, Ryo’s in the car’, everyone was naturally surprised,” explains Komatsu. However, the Japanese team principal has yet to reveal exactly what led to the Frenchman’s early exit.
After the second free practice session in Mexico, a row broke out between Ocon and his race engineer, Laura Müller. A disagreement over how the rest of the session should proceed could be heard over the team radio. The exact reasons behind the decision to remove Ocon from the car for the rest of the weekend remain unknown to this day.
Hirakawa subsequently took over the cockpit for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix. Ocon will not be driving for Haas again this season. At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Haas’s new signing Rafael Camara will be in the second car alongside Oliver Bearman. The Brazilian is making his Formula 1 debut this weekend.
Komatsu: “I can’t say much more about it”
Komatsu emphasises that he normally attaches great importance to transparency within the team. In Ocon’s case, however, he is constrained.
“As I’ve told the staff: normally, I want to be as transparent and well-informed as possible within the team so that everyone understands the context. But I really can’t say much more than that,” explains the Haas team principal.
Despite the unresolved circumstances, Komatsu looks back on his time with Ocon as a personal learning experience. The Frenchman was part of the team for almost two years. The collaboration repeatedly provided him with new insights.
“Every day is a learning experience. Really, every day you’re faced with something new. You’re constantly learning. Of course, the nearly two years with Esteban taught me a great deal. It’s a continuous learning experience,” says Komatsu.
Bearman doesn’t suddenly see himself as number one
Ocon’s departure has also changed the situation for Oliver Bearman. The Briton is now the more experienced regular driver at Haas and will have a rookie, Camara, as his team-mate. However, this is not expected to change his own approach.
“Of course, it’s strange not to have Esteban here, and the situation is difficult for everyone. I really feel for him. The situation is complicated, and things have changed,” says Bearman.
At the same time, the Briton hopes that the personnel changes won’t cause any unrest within the team. In his view, that wasn’t the case in Mexico. Rather, he also sees a positive aspect in Camara’s involvement: working with the Brazilian is already helping Haas in their preparations for the coming season.
Bearman is looking forward to a duel with Camara
Bearman is looking forward to working with his new team-mate. Camara currently leads the Formula 2 championship and is regarded by the Briton as a serious rival.
“To be honest, I’m looking forward to having a team-mate who will really push me hard,” explains Bearman. Ocon had also pushed him in the past, but now he expects a new challenge with Camara.
“As ambitious people and racing drivers, you want someone who will take you to the next level. That way, you can definitely get the most out of the team,” says Bearman.