MoneyGram Haas F1 Team claimed a double points finish in the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, with Esteban fifth and Oliver Bearman eight after 56 laps around the Shanghai International Circuit.
Esteban started from 11th on Pirelli P Zero Yellow medium tires and made up a spot at the start to run in 10th place, before pitting on lap 11 for White hard tires. Strategy allowed the Frenchman to work his way past Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar, before pouncing to pass Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli along the back straight, dipping a wheel onto the grass in the process. Esteban held seventh position and maintained his set of hard tires through to the checkered flag to collect his first points, six in total, with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.
Ollie took the start from 17th on the grid on hard tires and made up two spots through the opening phase of the race. Ollie ran a lengthy first stint, gaining positions as rivals pitted, before stopping on lap 26 for medium tires, re-emerging towards the rear of the midfield. The British rookie completed a series of moves across his second stint to work his way back into the top 10 to capture his first point of the season – with one point earned for 10th – duly cementing a double points finish for the team.
With the post-race disqualifications of both Ferrari drivers, Esteban and Ollie jumped two spots to finish fifth and eight, respectively.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team now holds sixth position in the Constructors’ Championship on fourteen points.
At the front McLaren scored a one-two finish, with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris, while George Russell was third for Mercedes.
Esteban Ocon: “Things were obviously looking difficult just a week ago in Melbourne, but we haven’t slept much since then and it’s all been worth it as we’ve discussed everything and where to unlock the performance from the car. We knew there was more performance to be had, obviously we’re keen to improve some more, but the signs for now are good. Honestly, it’s been an amazing turnaround from the team. I’m proud of everyone back in Maranello, Banbury and Kannapolis – everyone’s worked hard to find solutions. Well done to them and of course well done to Ollie too – double points, for us, is a massive thing. He was out of position yesterday but he came back with an alternative strategy today as well – he made it work and that’s great to see.”
