Haas unveils major trackside overhaul ahead of 2025 F1 season
Haas F1 implements major trackside reorganization with new race engineers Mueller and O'Hare leading technical operations. Team strengthens strategic capabilities while maintaining stable technical core ahead of 2025 season with Ocon and Bearman.
In a significant restructuring of its Formula 1 operations, Haas has announced comprehensive changes to its trackside personnel, marking a new era alongside incoming drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
New race engineering lineup
The American squad has promoted from within for its race engineering positions, with Laura Mueller stepping up to guide Esteban Ocon and Ronan O'Hare partnering with rookie Oliver Bearman.
Mueller's journey with Haas began in simulation engineering, while O'Hare brings varied experience from stints at Williams, Racing Bulls, and Mercedes, including Formula E expertise with NIO.
Strategic reinforcements
Strengthening its tactical capabilities, Haas has created and filled the position of head of race strategy with Carine Cridelich, who transitions from RB on March 1.
Former Toyota and Sauber veteran Francesco Nenci has assumed the chief race engineer role, previously held by new team principal Ayao Komatsu.
Addressing trackside performance
"It's a huge change, but I felt that was one of the weakest areas last year,"
Komatsu explained regarding the trackside restructuring.
"The more and more the car became competitive, that exposed it more. We left too many points on the table from the trackside operations."
The team's 2024 campaign highlighted these operational challenges, notably in Bahrain where Kevin Magnussen's potential points finish was compromised by strategy.
Despite showing improved pace that could have secured sixth in the constructors' championship, Haas ultimately lost out to Alpine by seven points.
Training and development focus
Haas has already initiated its Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program at Jerez, involving both Ocon and Bearman alongside Toyota driver Ritomo Miyata.This marks a significant shift in the team's approach to preparation.
"Before we were just a race team,"
Komatsu noted, emphasizing the importance of these testing opportunities for staff development.
The team's technical core remains stable, with Andrea De Zordo, Tom Coupland, and Jonathan Heal continuing in their respective technical director and design roles.
Additionally, plans are underway for potential changes to the team's Banbury facility, with proposals due to be presented to team owner Gene Haas.
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