<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1QcxOi_0w1T6kfJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1QcxOi_0w1T6kfJ00" width="1638" height="918" ></figure>Esteban Ocon explains that new Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu and the team’s passion inspired the change<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4XSzZC_0w1T6kfJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4XSzZC_0w1T6kfJ00" width="1080" height="788" ><figcaption>New Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu was part of the reason Esteban Ocon opted to sign with the team. (Image Credit: @HaasF1Team on X )</figcaption></figure>Following an unfortunate collision with his teammate in Monaco, Alpine announced that Esteban Ocon wouldn’t continue with the team in 2025. However, the Frenchman swiftly revealed that he is set to join Haas next year, with Alpine junior Jack Doohan more recently announced as his replacement.Ocon will receive a rookie partner of his own in Oliver Bearman, who replaces the Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg. At the time, there were plenty of available seats for 2025, so the motivation behind Ocon’s decision was unclear.Speaking with AMuS, the race winner revealed the reasons that inspired his choice. He said:<blockquote>“What convinced me most was that Ayao [Komatsu] is leading the team. He is a seasoned racing engineer who knows what he is talking about. When I first met him, I was still very young. But even then, I was very impressed by the questions he asked me.”</blockquote>He continued, “He was my engineer when I did my first Formula 1 test in 2014. I still remember that fondly. Haas currently employs 300 people. But they do more than teams with 1,500 employees.”The Frenchman even alluded to future “major investments” and the team’s “clear goals” that he wishes to be part of. Having visited the factory, and seeing the team’s passion, he admitted to having “missed that feeling.”What can Ocon achieve during his time at Haas?Is Alpine a sinking ship?Meanwhile, the situation at Alpine appears to be going from bad to worse. Now on their third team principal in less than two years, Oliver Oakes has called for patience. However, the outfit has opted to stop its 2026 engine program, meaning it will become a customer team after next season.Even though Pierre Gasly has signed a new multi-year deal with the team, he very openly criticised them last month. During the summer break, Ocon revealed that he felt the two drivers hadn’t been listened to regarding car development. Will the team be able to turn their season around?Feature Image Credit: @AlpineF1Team on X</div></body>

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Ocon explains his motivation behind Haas move for 2025

Esteban Ocon explains that new Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu and the team’s passion inspired the change. Following an unfortunate collision with his teammate in Monaco, Alpine announced that Esteban Ocon wouldn’t continue with the team in 2025. However, the Frenchman swiftly revealed that he is set to join Haas next year, with Alpine junior Jack Doohan more recently announced as his replacement.

Ocon explains his motivation behind Haas move for 2025

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