Esteban Ocon has called on Haas to find more performance after a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix.
Ocon endured a torrid weekend in Suzuka, unable to find pace in his VF-25 at the Japanese Grand Prix. Qualifying down in P18, he failed to make any progress during the race and finished where he started.
This was in stark contrast to team-mate Oliver Bearman who enjoyed a competitive showing, securing the final point in 10th. Both cars were fitted with a new floor for the F1 Japanese GP, but Ocon was unable to extract its potential.
Speaking in the media pen after the race, Esteban Ocon revealed the reasons behind his long first stint. “We obviously were waiting for a safety car to come out. That was the whole plan behind that strategy.
“Obviously as the safety car didn’t come, it was not the optimal one. But there was nothing really that we could have gained otherwise, so we tried it.
“We just need to improve the pace. This weekend has been difficult for us and the race has shown the same.
New floor failed to rectify Esteban Ocon pace issues at F1 Japanese GP
Esteban Ocon was blunt when asked if the new floor had improved the car’s handling at the F1 Japanese GP: “No, we’re still lacking 4 to 5 tenths, I think.
Asked if he would have been happy to remain with the old specification floor from Friday, Ocon said the team had to extract more pace from the car.
“No, I think it’s a bit more complicated than that. I think it’s good overall that the teams managed to bring this update this quickly and react this quickly.
Ocon acknowledged the new upgrade worked on Bearman’s car, and hoped he would see imporvements on his side of the garage soon.
“It worked on one car, which is very good. We need to pick that up, understand the data from all its sides.
“And it’s good that it managed to pick up a point. We are very happy on that side now. It’s just a matter of turning it into our car as well.
“No doubt that this will come too.
