Fresh off a productive double points finish in Bahrain, the Haas F1 Team is set to enter the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend with newfound momentum – and cautious optimism.
With Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman securing P8 and P10 respectively at Sakhir, the US outfit currently sits fifth in the Constructors’ Championship with 20 points, marking one of its strongest season starts in recent years.
However, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is bracing for a formidable test at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where precision and adaptability will be paramount.
Jeddah’s Unique Demands
Komatsu has highlighted the distinct challenges posed by Jeddah’s layout, emphasizing its unforgiving nature.
“Jeddah offers the unique challenge of a high-speed street circuit with little margin for driving error,” Komatsu explained in a race preview from Haas.
The circuit’s 27 corners and proximity to walls demand pinpoint accuracy, leaving little room for mistakes. To tackle this, Haas will adjust their VF-25 car significantly.
©Haas
“We will be typically running lower drag settings compared to the circuits we've been to so far this year, so how we stabilise the car and get the tyres to work with such a low drag configuration will be key,” Komatsu noted.
This setup shift, while necessary for speed, introduces complexities in maintaining car stability and tyre performance, critical factors in Jeddah’s relentless conditions. With the VF-25 proving consistent over the opening rounds, Komatsu believes the team can continue its upward trajectory, but he also acknowledges that performance in Jeddah is hard to predict.
“It's difficult to predict exactly how the VF-25 will perform in Jeddah, but we've been getting maximum out of it in recent races,” he said.
“We're looking to carry over this momentum and finish the first triple-header of the season—which is very demanding for everyone both at the track and at our factories—on a high.”
Bearman Returns to Special Ground
For rookie Oliver Bearman, the race in Saudi Arabia marks a poignant milestone. It was at this very circuit in 2024 where the young Brit made his Formula 1 debut for Ferrari, stepping in for Carlos Sainz and stunning the paddock with a points finish.
That standout performance played a key role in earning him his full-time drive with Haas for 2025.
“This is also the first circuit we visit this year where Ollie has previous Formula 1 race experience,” Komatsu noted. “That experience will be valuable.”
Now returning in Haas colors, Bearman is eager to revisit the venue that kickstarted his F1 journey.
“I’m very excited to return to Jeddah, it’s the first repeat race of my career which is pretty cool,” Bearman said.
“Having had the experience of last year was very nice and helpful and was a highlight of my life so far, having my debut with Ferrari, that track will always hold a special place in my heart.
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“Even before my Formula 1 debut, I really enjoyed driving around Jeddah because of its high-speed nature, and the thrill of driving at such speeds between the walls, so I’m looking forward to returning and now having a full race weekend under my belt, not just FP3, quali, and the race – it should be a good one.”
With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix capping off the first triple-header of the season, Haas will be looking to cement its early-season form with another strong result.
But in a sport where success hinges on fine margins – especially on the streets of Jeddah – Komatsu and his drivers know that precision, preparation, and composure will be crucial.
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