Haas identified a "fundamental problem" with the VF-25, despite the strong performance in Shanghai

What will be the true face of Haas this season? Will the American team be the last force on the grid, largely detached from the rest of the grid as in Melbourne, or the radiant team from Shanghai, whose two drivers got into the points with even a fifth place for Esteban Ocon The truth probably lies somewhere at the intersection of these two diametrically opposed weekends.

The single-seaters of the Kannapolis (North Carolina) structure showed two very different faces, to the great pleasure of Ayao Komatsu, who welcomed a weekend "very positive"The Japanese, however, does not want to see himself too good after the ordeal in Melbourne. "Suzuka is a very demanding circuit, both for the drivers and the engineers, who have to find the right set-up for the car. Even though we were competitive in Shanghai, we know we still have a fundamental problem with the car, which was revealed in Melbourne. assures the successor of the voluble Günther SteinerWe are approaching this weekend with our eyes wide open to meet all the challenges that will arise and get the most out of the VF-25 as well as our pilots."

Its drivers also arrive with confidence, boosted by a double points finish that allowed Haas to move up to 6th place in the Constructors' standings. Thanks to the disqualifications of the Ferrari Ahead of them, Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman climbed to 5th and 8th place respectively. Enough to approach the third weekend of the year with a certain confidence. “Suzuka is for me the best track on the calendar. rejoices the Frenchman, 4th in 2022 with Alpine. There is so much to love about this circuit, especially the first sector, which is incredibly fast and flowing. You have to be really committed and precise in your driving, especially in qualifying, and that's what makes this circuit even more special and rewarding when you set a good lap. I also love its history and its old-school feel, and when you add to that the enthusiasm of the fans, it really makes it one of the highlights of our season. We hope to be able to join the fight for another good result this weekend, to start this three-race series (to follow Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, editor's note) in a positive way."

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Bearman and Ocon love the Suzuka circuit

On the other side of the garage, the atmosphere is just as positive for a re-energized Oliver Bearman after having shaken off the cataclysm of his first weekend as a driver. In Melbourne, the Ferrari protégé suffered a violent crash in FP1 and the resulting damage could not be repaired in time for FP2. Finally, he went off the track again in FP3 and was unable to participate in qualifying, due to a gearbox rendered defective by the successive accidents.

The Chelmsford native had the merit of finishing the Australian Grand Prix in precarious conditions, which gave him a little more confidence for the weekend in China, where he shone (8th). Heading to Japan, Oliver Bearman is preparing to discover a new track at the wheel of a Formula 1, even if it has already been driven there at the end of last year during the Super Formula Rookie Test in the company of Andrea Kimi Antonelli in particular. "I'm really excited about racing in Japan. The circuit looks fantastic and, with our partnership with Toyota, it's going to be a great event for the whole team," promises the 19-year-old driver. "I had the chance to drive a Super Formula car at Suzuka, and that circuit really comes to life! It was a great experience and the fans were incredible. To have that much support – just for one test – was incredible, so I can't wait to see everyone again. The track looks set to be a highlight of the season, I'm really looking forward to it."

Despite Ocon and Bearman's love for the circuit, Suzuka, this one does not really give it back to Haas in recent years: Gene Haas' team has not scored a point in Japan since 8th place in Romain Grosjean in 2018. The time has come to put an end to the curse, and with a special livery for the occasion.

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