Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon hope to be in the fight at F1 Australian Grand Prix

The new Haas driver pairing hopes to ‘fighting’ at the F1 season opener

A new Formula 1 season brings new hope, and fresh opportunities, for all ten teams.

This year, Haas also brings a new driver pairing, as rookie Oliver Bearman joins the team after three super-sub appearances a season ago, two for Haas and one for Ferrari. As for his teammate, Esteban Ocon joins the team after departing Alpine, giving Haas a lineup with a rookie and a veteran driver.

The first race on the docket is a memorable one for Haas. When the team joined the grid for the 2016 season the year began with the Australian Grand Prix. Romain Grosjean finished sixth in that race, giving Haas points in their debut and making the team the first American constructor to win points on their debut.

It is a day that Team Principal Ayao Komatsu looks back on with fondness.

“I’m really looking forward to being back in Melbourne,” said the Haas Team Principal in the team’s media preview. “Historically, we’ve had some good memories from there – okay some bad ones too – but in terms of performance, and Melbourne being the very first race for the team and getting that P6, it’s a fantastic memory.”

Komatsu then outlined the challenges they will face in Melbourne.

“It’s a very challenging track as essentially it’s a street track with low-grip, and difficult overtaking. It’s a challenging circuit for the driver, the car and the team. From things we saw at testing, there’s a lot to be positive about and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in Melbourne,” added Komatsu. “If we put everything together, which we need to do, and get the best out of the car and the driver, we can be fighting.”

Both Bearman and Ocon are looking forward to the challenge, as well as the incredible reception that awaits in Australia.

“It’s certainly been a long off-season so I’m happy to finally get to Melbourne and get started with the season, I can’t wait to see what it holds. The circuit is great, it goes around a lake which is pretty unique and impressive, and it has beautiful scenery with the backdrop of the city close by,” said Bearman. “The track is unique, it has a lot of crowns in the road, so for us drivers it makes our lives a bit more difficult and it’s really the only track where we face this type of challenge.

“I’m most looking forward to sharing my theoretical debut with my family and loved ones. I experienced the Melbourne walk last year in Formula 2 and it was fantastic to see the support of the crowd and I think having that in F1 will be even more impressive and I can’t wait to meet them and hopefully put on a good performance for them.”

“It’s good to see Australia back as the first race on the calendar,” began Ocon. “It was always the season-opener when I was watching Formula 1, so we’re back and with Haas for the first time, it will be special. There’s always a lot of support for us, especially at the Melbourne Walk as we head into the paddock, it’s crazy to see the enthusiasm of everyone and how Melbourne turns into an F1 city during race week.

“Albert Park is an incredible track, one that’s become faster throughout the years with the new layout and tarmac. It’s a big challenge for teams and drivers to build the car right, knowing how fast the corners are,” added Ocon. “Getting used to the time zone as well, we have our routine for that coming into the week and I’m looking forward to seeing how the VF-25 will perform for the first time, it’s exciting.”