Esteban Ocon, the French Formula 1 driver set to join Haas in 2025, recently reminisced about his first meeting with Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, describing it as a defining moment that showcased Komatsu’s fierce competitive spirit. Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Ocon revealed that their initial encounter took place years ago during a karting event, long before their professional paths crossed in Formula 1. The story, which Ocon recounted with enthusiasm, highlights the unique bond he shares with Komatsu, who he now calls “probably the most competitive guy I’ve ever met.”
The memorable meeting occurred when Ocon, then a young karting prodigy, was dominating a particular corner on the track, outpacing his competitors with ease. While most drivers simply accepted his speed, Komatsu, who was racing alongside him, took a different approach. Ocon recalled how Komatsu approached him after the session, eager to understand the secret behind his performance. “I was much quicker than everyone in that corner, and no one really asked me how they could do it,” Ocon said. “But he was the one coming and asking me to try and gain something out of it.” This curiosity and determination left a lasting impression on Ocon, who was struck by Komatsu’s relentless drive to improve, even in a casual karting setting.
This early interaction laid the foundation for a relationship that would evolve over the years. Komatsu, an experienced engineer before taking the helm at Haas, worked with Ocon during his first Formula 1 test with Lotus in 2014, serving as his race engineer. The two also collaborated during Ocon’s debut Free Practice 1 session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that same year. Now, as Ocon prepares to embark on a new chapter with Haas, he finds himself reunited with Komatsu, whose competitive nature remains unchanged. “I see the same competitive person I’ve seen,” Ocon noted, emphasizing that their shared passion for excellence continues to define their dynamic.
Ocon’s move to Haas, confirmed last summer with a multi-year deal, marks a significant step in his career after a challenging stint with Alpine. The 28-year-old driver has credited Komatsu’s leadership as a key factor in his decision to join the American team, praising the team principal’s vision and the squad’s upward trajectory. Under Komatsu’s guidance, Haas has shown notable progress since he took over in 2024, with highlights including a double-points finish for Ocon and teammate Ollie Bearman at the Chinese Grand Prix earlier this year. Ocon’s trust in Komatsu’s ability to steer the team forward is rooted in their long history, which began with that karting encounter and has now come full circle.
Reflecting on Komatsu’s impact, Ocon highlighted how their shared competitive spirit drives their collaboration. “He’s probably the most competitive guy I’ve ever met. I think we share that together,” he said. This mutual drive is already proving valuable as Haas aims to build on their 2024 performance, where they secured seventh in the constructors’ championship with 58 points, their best result since 2018. With Komatsu at the helm and Ocon’s experience paired with Bearman’s raw talent, the team is poised to challenge for higher positions in the midfield.