Ocon and Bearman hail ‘amazing’ Haas turnaround after double-points haul in China

Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman heaped praise on the Haas team for unlocking pace in the VF-25 that enabled both drivers to register points at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Following a hugely disappointing opening weekend in Australia that saw the Haas duo finish as the final classified finishers, there was a drastic improvement just one week later with both landing spots inside the top 10.

Ocon and Bearman had initially claimed P7 and P10 respectively, but the pair were later promoted to P5 and P8 following the disqualifications of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ahead of them, meaning that they bagged a combined 14 points

Starting in 11th and running the same strategy as most drivers ahead of him, Ocon began with the medium Pirelli compound before switching mid-race to mediums. Despite gaining positions on Racing Bulls drivers Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, who gambled on a two-stop strategy, the Frenchman gained further places over Williams’ Alex Albon and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and looked comfortable managing the threat from behind.

Ocon delighted with ‘amazing turnaround’ for Haas since Melbourne

“It was not many days ago that we were dead last in Melbourne and it was looking difficult,” reflected Ocon. “We didn’t sleep much, I couldn’t eat very much – in the words of Ayao [Komatsu – Haas team principal] – but it was all worth it because we discussed everything on where to unlock that performance from the car.

“We knew there was more performance to be had. Obviously, it’s a good surprise to see that. We still can improve more and that’s where we are, so it’s very good signs.

“But it’s an amazing turnaround from the team. I’m proud of everyone back in Maranello and Banbury. They’ve done an amazing job, putting their hearts out in trying to find solutions.

“So well done to them and well done to Ollie. Double points is a massive thing for us because he was out of position yesterday so it was really great to see him coming back on an alternate strategy as well. We’ve made it work today and it’s great to see, so hopefully, this is only the beginning.”

Cautious that Haas cannot allow this performance to be a one-off, he added: “We need to stay on top of our game.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 23: Esteban Ocon of France driving the (31) Haas F1 VF-25 Ferrari on track — Ocon and Bearman scored Haas’ first double-points finish since last year’s Mexico City Grand Prix

“The confidence is not yet there because it is only race two, and with the swing of performance from the bottom to now the top of the midfield, we need to stay on top of what we are doing, focus on ourselves, optimise what we have. I know there is more performance to unlock from the car and that is great to see.”

While Ocon went with the crowd with his strategy, Bearman went the opposite way – starting on the hard tyre before switching to the faster, but less durable, medium option for the closing stages. This matched Aston Martin’s plan for Lance Stroll, with the two battling before their stops, although Stroll failed to match Bearman’s late pace.

“It was a really good day,» said Bearman. «I’m super-happy with the result. I did not expect to score points today but the car was fantastic. Everything I was doing worked and that’s always a nice feeling. I just had the groove and some points to show for it.

“It was lovely – really, really nice and something I felt I could fight with. I’m so happy with that. The team have done a great job. The turnaround from yesterday where we struggled a lot in the Sprint race – I’m really proud of them and a huge credit to them.”