The MoneyGram Haas F1 team has an all new driver lineup for the 2025 season. The American team is coming into Melbourne with a Grand Prix winner and a rookie as their seat holders.
Haas managed the second highest mileage during the pre-season testing, but they also looked to be the slowest on the board.
Haas had high mileage but low lap times
The American outfit ran for 457 laps, just one down from Mercedes’ 458. While they did not manage impressive times, they gained a ton of data due to the length of their runs.
Day 1 was an uneventful, disappointing day for Haas as the Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman concluded the leaderboard at P19 and P20, respectively. However, Haas was running a different programme from their rivals.
Charles Leclerc and George Russell Led the Board on the Final Day of Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing
The second day of the test wasn’t a different result either, as both the drivers drove their programme and placed P17 and P18, respectively. The American team hid their true potential, while running their own pace.
The last day brought a surprise for the team as Esteban Ocon’s pace looked to be above their competitors, especially during the final hours. The grand prix winner settled for a P8 on the leaderboard, after a tricky morning for the team where the engine cover of one of the cars flew off.
Can Haas bring their true potential to Australia?
Haas has been on an upward climb, especially after Ayao Komatsu took the charge of the team. The American outfit placed P7 on the WDC in 2024, ahead of rivals RB, Williams, and Sauber, just below Alpine in the midfield.
With a strong senior driver and a somewhat experienced yet impressive rookie, the midfield team has a lot to do before they can bring a tougher challenge to their rivals. Williams and Alpine both looked very impressive during the pre-season tests, being the biggest threats to Haas.
Finishing off our three-days under the lights 👊🏁
Esteban brings home the VF-25 with 103 laps complete, and an F1 Testing total of 260 🇧🇭#HaasF1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/S4i2DoavqZ
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 28, 2025
Carlos Sainz is currently Williams’ biggest asset as he managed to put his blue ride at the top of the leaderboard on the second day, with Alpine consistently in the top 10s. The Spaniard is currently the most imposing threat to the midfield as a whole.
Haas potentially has the car to challenge the midfield as Ocon put his Haas in the top 8, ahead of Charles Leclerc, on the final day.
Going into Melbourne, if Haas can keep up the momentum of the final day of testing into the race, they can potentially cause an upset in the midfield, directly challenging Williams and Alpine.
