Haas added another slightly perplexing chapter to their 2025 campaign at the Dutch GP.
An audacious strategy, well-executed by Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, paid dividends for the US outfit.
Despite starting from 18th and the pit-lane, Berman and Ocon recovered to 6th and 10th respectively.
This result was integral for Haas, given that many midfield teams secured large points hauls in Zandvoort.
Simultaneously, last weekend showcased one of their most glaring inefficiencies.
Haas keep within reach of rivals
More than any other season, the midfield has been extremely competitive in 2025.
Not only are the top four teams under constant threat in qualifying, but they are also at risk of dropping positions on Sunday if they don’t execute clean weekends.
Hadjar’s podium finish, achieved after a 4th place start, was the freshest example of the dangers in the midfield.
Though an incident with Sainz prevented Lawson from scoring points, the Kiwi was also fast – in a weekend where the Racing Bulls were arguably faster than Red Bull.
Even teams with poor Saturdays are capable of recovering on race day, something which Haas continue to show.
Their double-points finish in Zandvoort came in spite of a poor qualifying that put both drivers at the back of the grid.
Haas’ saving grace, once again, was solid race pace and a creative strategy.
The first Safety Car actually went against Haas, who started the race on hard tyre.
In response to this bad timing, the US team doubled-down and kept both drivers on track.
By staying within one second of each other, the Haas pair kept Tsunoda and Alonso at bay in a DRS train.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu was pleased with his personnel’s execution on race day:
“From starting P18 and in the pit lane, the chances were against us but you can never give up, so thanks to everyone in the team.
“We started on the hard compound and the first safety car timing was completely against us, that was perfect for medium starters.
“The reaction at that point was to stay calm and focus.
“As I always say, we must get the basics right.
“And today I believe we did that, and both drivers were great team players… I can’t fault it.
“Today should be the benchmark, this is what we can do, so let’s do it again.”
A clear limitation exposed
Whilst Haas can be satisfied with their end result, they must rectify what is becoming an alarming habit.
Zandvoort Qualifying saw both drivers struggling to put a lap together, with Ocon insisting post-session there was enough performance for a better result.
For whatever reason, whether it be tyre preparation or set-up, Haas failed to put everything together on Saturday.
This has been a familiar theme in 2025, with the American team often leaving themselves a mountain to climb on Sunday.
It is also common for contrasting fortunes on the different sides of the garage, at a team fighting desperately for consistency.
One thing Haas can look forward to this year is an upgrade package for the VF-25, scheduled for COTA.
Komatsu’s squad have committed to a final push with their 2025 challenger, in an effort to improve their Championship position.
If their updates are effective, they could be enough to propel Haas further up the field.
Aside from the obvious search for performance, Haas will search for more consistency with the VF-25.
Provided Haas can unlock a more solid baseline set-up, their bid to become more constant in the midfield fight could be realised.
Main photo: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images (Haas F1 Team media gallery)
