Frenchman Esteban Ocon says he expects his future teammate at Haas next year, Briton Oliver Bearman, to push him to his limits after seeing what he can do behind the wheel of a Formula 1 this year.
Oliver Bearman will start in F1 as a starter at Haas from the 2025 season and will team up with Frenchman Esteban Ocon, who will leave Alpine at the end of this 2024 campaign. Bearman has already had the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 in Grand Prix twice this year, the first time in Saudi Arabia when he replaced Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari and the second time in Baku where he replaced Dane Kevin Magnussen at the wheel of the Haas.
During his two performances, Oliver Bearman finished in the points on two urban courses considered to be among the most difficult on the calendar, which impressed many people in the paddock, including Esteban Ocon who was full of praise for the British.
Asked if he expects his future teammate to push him to Haas next year, the Frenchman replied: “It’s for sure!” »
“What he did in Baku was truly remarkable and I knew it. I think everyone in the paddock knew he had remarkable talent and what he did was very impressive, being in the rhythm straight away on such a technical track. » he added, quoted by the championship website.
“I watched his lap in F2 when he had the steering screwed up and he was on pole, and that says a lot. This shows that he is immediately comfortable in whatever car he is driving. »
“It’s great for him, for the team, for myself, that he can have a good experience before starting the full season next year. »
As for whether he has already spent time with Oliver Bearman since finding out he would team up with the Briton next year at Haas, Esteban Ocon added: “We talked a bit, but we were so busy that unfortunately not enough. »
“We’re going to spend a lot of time together this winter and be able to catch up, so I’m not worried about that. It’s really good to see him shine in Baku and I’m happy for him and the team [Haas]. »
