Despite starting from 18th and the pit-lane, Berman and Ocon recovered to 6th and 10th respectively.<\/p>\n
This result was integral for Haas, given that many midfield teams secured large points hauls in Zandvoort.<\/p>\n
Simultaneously, last weekend showcased one of their most glaring inefficiencies.<\/p>\n More than any other season, the midfield has been extremely competitive in 2025.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Hadjar’s<\/a> podium finish, achieved after a 4th place start, was the freshest example of the dangers in the midfield.<\/p>\n Though an incident with Sainz<\/a> prevented Lawson<\/a> from scoring points, the Kiwi was also fast – in a weekend where the Racing Bulls were arguably faster than Red Bull.<\/p>\n Even teams with poor Saturdays are capable of recovering on race day, something which Haas continue to show.<\/p>\n Their double-points finish in Zandvoort came in spite of a poor qualifying that put both drivers at the back of the grid.<\/p>\n Haas’ saving grace, once again, was solid race pace and a creative strategy.<\/p>\n The first Safety Car actually went against Haas, who started the race on hard tyre.<\/p>\n In response to this bad timing, the US team doubled-down and kept both drivers on track.<\/p>\n By staying within one second of each other, the Haas pair kept Tsunoda and Alonso at bay in a DRS train.<\/p>\n Team principal Ayao Komatsu was pleased with his personnel’s execution on race day:<\/p>\n “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.<\/em><\/p>\n “We started on the hard compound and the first safety car timing was completely against us, that was perfect for medium starters.<\/em><\/p>\n “The reaction at that point was to stay calm and focus.<\/em><\/p>\n “As I always say, we must get the basics right.<\/em><\/p>\n “And today I believe we did that, and both drivers were great team players… I can\u2019t fault it.<\/em><\/p>\n “Today should be the benchmark, this is what we can do, so let\u2019s do it again.”<\/em><\/p>\n Whilst Haas can be satisfied with their end result, they must rectify what is becoming an alarming habit.<\/p>\n Zandvoort Qualifying saw both drivers struggling to put a lap together, with Ocon insisting post-session there was enough performance for a better result.<\/p>\n For whatever reason, whether it be tyre preparation or set-up, Haas<\/a> failed to put everything together on Saturday.<\/p>\n This has been a familiar theme in 2025, with the American team often leaving themselves a mountain to climb on Sunday.<\/p>\n It is also common for contrasting fortunes on the different sides of the garage, at a team fighting desperately for consistency.<\/p>\n One thing Haas can look forward to this year is an upgrade package for the VF-25, scheduled for COTA.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/09\/2232846669-521-1024x683.jpg\")
Haas keep within reach of rivals<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/09\/2232968687-745-1024x683.jpg\")
A clear limitation exposed<\/h4>\n