Esteban Ocon has admitted Haas’ recent Formula 1 tie-up with Toyota has “reinforced” his credence that he has made the right decision to head to the team for 2025.
Last month, Haas announced a technical alliance with Toyota that will see it receive expertise and resources, including access to the company’s Cologne wind tunnel.
The Japanese marque’s involvement comes amid Haas sustaining its most productive season since 2018 with 46 points to date seeing it lie seventh in the standings.
Haas’ upturn augers well for Ocon and Ferrari prospect Oliver Bearman as the two will begin multi-term deals in 2025 in a revised driver line-up at the American outfit.
Ocon, who will end his extensive association with Alpine, echoed Haas boss Ayao Komatsu with the admission that he was unaware of a Toyota deal when he signed.
However, the Frenchman has expressed that Toyota’s assistance has reconsolidated his trust in the vision that Komatsu pitched to him during their talks over a move.
When it was put to him that the Toyota link-up shows that it is a good time to be heading to Haas, Ocon told media including Motorsport Week: “Yeah, for sure.
“Back then, Ayao convinced me with the plan he had.
“He didn’t specifically talk about that, but he really told me what his plan was to take this team to the next level and help on the things that the team have the chance to improve on.
“He convinced me back then and it reinforces me to clearly trust him for the future. I think it’s exciting times for the teams ahead.”
Magnussen backs Toyota to help Haas long-term
But Kevin Magnussen, who will vacate his current drive at Haas, is not expecting Toyota’s immediate help to have a bearing on the team’s battle to finish in sixth place.
The Dane, though, has recognised that the support of a large-scale automotive brand will provide Haas with the tools to reach greater heights in the seasons to come.
“I think it’s a longer-term thing, but I do think it’s very positive for Haas and I think a very good way to expand the operation and a very needed step, I think,” he said.
“I think what Haas has achieved in those years already has been quite impressive.
“If you actually know the operation and how small it is, it’s kind of impressive what we have been able to achieve.
“But there has always been a feeling of potential for more.
“I think this is a good step to move further into that direction. I think it’s going to be interesting to see where they go.”
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