Will the doors at Haas also close for Esteban Ocon? It seems like the Frenchman is going to have a tough time finding a seat in 2025. Despite showcasing promising performance in the sprint qualifying, Ocon finished on P11. No point for the French! He finds himself in a difficult spot. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman’s F2 sprint win is making fans happy. And now, they demand Haas to announce him as their F1 driver for the next season, thus, shutting all the paths for Esteban Ocon’s entry into the squad.
Since his contract termination from Alpine, Ocon has been facing criticisms from F1 fans. On the other hand, Oliver Bearman has been declared the number one choice to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Haas. Thus, the young Briton is getting all the love from the fans. With no official contract for the next season, Ocon is under pressure. If he makes it to Haas alongside Ollie Bearman, then it won’t be a surprise that Gene Haas will face criticism for having a ‘fired’ driver in his team.
The official X handle of Haas F1 has congratulated the 19-year-old for winning the F2 sprint in Spielberg. They said: “Congratulations to our Official Reserve Driver Ollie Bearman.” This social media post has channeled excitement in the fans. They want the America-based team to bring him into the squad as soon as possible.
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Go on Ollie!! 🏆
Congratulations to our Official Reserve Driver @OllieBearman and @PREMA_Team on taking victory in the F2 Sprint Race 🙌#AustrianGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/LaqUVQojcP
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) June 29, 2024
The fans seem to rejoice at the progress Haas is making with being more open about their preferences. And as of now, Esteban Ocon has no hope at Haas, given Kevin Magnussen still holds a seat (despite an uncertain future). Here’s what fans had to say.
Esteban Ocon should be worried as Ollie Bearman further consolidates his place in Haas
Not just Haas, but fans are also celebrating Ollie’s victory. Diligent supporters have taken to social media to express their joy. They’ve also expressed their opinion on what Haas must do, and soon. One such fan commented: “Announce him for next season!” The ‘him’ here means Oliver Bearman by the way.
Announce him for next season!
— Alex (@AlexF1BCL) June 29, 2024
Resonating the same sentiments, another fan asked the same question, that is, when will the team announce Ollie as their official F1 driver for 2025? Haas has some serious answers to give! They must make haste with the announcement. At this point, this news won’t surprise the fans much, as they are already speculating. Unless Haas has something else going on in their minds.
So like driver announcement when????
— Ruhi (Taylor’s Version) (@GaveSoManySainz) June 29, 2024
Another fan chose to comment in caps. More like a loud announcement, like “Hey Haas, announce Oliver’s name already!” This restlessness in the fans is heart-touching and hilarious. They just can’t wait anymore! Compared to Esteban Ocon’s F1 performance so far for Alpine, Ollie has shown better results in F2 for Prema. He also proved his skills in the Ferrari SF20 earlier this year when Carlos Sainz missed the race in Jeddah due to appendicitis.
ANNOUNCE HIMMM ALREADYYYYY
— jessica ྀིྀིOLLIE FIRST WIN (@londonbearman) June 29, 2024
A fan called Oliver the “future driver (of F1).” Bearman already carries a lot of hopes on his back and if he debuts next season, he must make sure he doesn’t disappoint his fans. Falling behind in one or two races is understood, but fans truly hope, that the young Briton flourishes in motorsport.
Future driver
— missliz (@missliz83083988) June 29, 2024
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Someone said, “Official reserve driver is nice but official F1 driver for 2025 would sound better.” The level of loyalty the fans are posing towards Ollie is immaculate. And somewhere, it feels that they won’t accept anyone other than Bearman in that Haas seat. Unfortunately not even Ocon.
Official reserve driver is nice but official F1 driver for 2025 would sound better 🐻📑✍️
— Ro (@racingwithro) June 29, 2024
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As the doors to the future close for one and open for the other, Esteban Ocon must continue in F1 till the end of the season. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman must soak up all the love and cherish every moment. These young drivers are the next generation of F1. What 2025 holds for both drivers is still unknown. While one looks hopeful the other gradually moves towards uncertainty. What are your thoughts on Oliver Bearman to Haas? Share your thoughts in the comments.