Haas rolls into Brazil riding the wave of a stellar fourth-place finish by Oliver Bearman in Mexico City – a performance that marked the young Briton’s best result in his burgeoning F1 career.
It also positioned the US outfit among the mid-field group of teams fiercely fighting for sixth in F1’s Constructors’ standings.
This weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos – Round 21 of the championship – offers Haas another chance to shine. The historic circuit, famed for its unpredictable weather and passionate fans, also plays host to a Sprint weekend, providing teams with a double opportunity for points.
For Haas, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace is a venue steeped in good memories: the team claimed its first-ever pole position at the track in 2022 thanks to Kevin Magnussen, while Esteban Ocon secured a brilliant podium last year.
And with both Ocon and Bearman in strong form, the American outfit arrives in Brazil with momentum on its side – and eyes firmly set on another top finish.
Komatsu’s Confidence: A Team on the Rise
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said the energy inside the Haas garage is at an all-time high.
“We’re really looking forward to coming to São Paulo off the back of a very, very good race in Mexico - everybody’s really motivated and pumped up,” he said in the team’s race weekend preview.
The championship is so tight that from P6 to P9, there’s essentially nothing in it. We’ve got four events left, but we’re really focused on one event at a time. Brazil is obviously a Sprint, so there are lots of opportunities.
“The track is amazing, it’s such a driver’s track, which is technical and a huge challenge not only for drivers, but for cars as well.
With Ollie jumping into the car last season with only five hours’ notice, we know he’s going to be good, and then with Esteban scoring a podium – against us – in 2024, we know he’s also very good around this circuit.
“The biggest thing for me this weekend will be weather conditions. You never know what you’re going to get in São Paulo. We’re obviously very keen to put last year right, be on it, and execute. I really believe we’ve got the cars and drivers to perform here.”
Haas Chargers Ready for Battle
For Bearman, Interlagos offers the perfect stage to continue his impressive rise.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Brazil, it’s an incredible circuit,” commented the 20-year-old. “It’s a very short lap but an incredibly technical one.
“It was a tough race for me last year, but we had a really good Friday getting into SQ3 and hopefully we can build on that with the momentum we’ve created in the last few races.”
Esteban Ocon will race in Brazil with a special one-off helmet design.
Ocon, meanwhile, is eager to return to a track that has brought him success and support in equal measure in the past.
“I can’t wait to go back to Brazil, a country that is very dear to me,” he said. “I’m lucky enough to have a lot of support there, and I hold many great memories from my time racing there as well.
“Of course, personally, last year’s podium was a very special moment in my career. As it’s a Sprint, we’ll look to maximize all sessions as much as possible to set ourselves up well for both races and hopefully keep the momentum going this weekend.”
With confidence high and history on their side, Haas heads to Interlagos not just to compete — but to contend.
Read also: Komatsu and Vasseur hail Bearman’s ‘fantastic’ Mexico GP heroics
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