The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will mark a significant milestone at the 2025 Canadian GP. This weekend’s race in Montreal represents Haas’ 200th appearance in Formula 1 since joining the championship in 2016. To commemorate the occasion, Haas will run a special livery inspired by its original 2016 design, while current drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman aim to return to the points following a difficult outing in Spain.
An impressive milestone worth celebrating
Reaching 200 Grands Prix is a notable achievement for any Formula 1 team, and particularly so for Haas, which entered the sport at a time of considerable regulatory and technical complexity. Since making its debut at the 2016 Australian GP, the team has had to navigate shifting regulations, increased competition in the midfield, and the logistical demands of operating from facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy.
Despite intermittent challenges, Haas has consistently demonstrated persistence and adaptability. Highlights across its journey include an impressive sixth-place finish on debut in Melbourne by Romain Grosjean and the team’s best-ever finish in the Constructors’ Championship—fifth place in 2018. That same year, Grosjean achieved Haas’s best race result to date with fourth position at the Austrian GP.
This weekend’s event in Montreal not only offers an opportunity to reflect on those successes but also to reignite ambition. The team will sport a livery featuring the black, grey, and red colours that defined its inaugural season, a visual tribute to its origins and evolution over the past nine years.
A throwback livery with deeper livery
Haas’s decision to revisit its original livery is more than a stylistic choice; it serves as a visual narrative of the team’s journey. The 2016 season marked the entrance of a newcomer determined to challenge established teams with a bold design and equally bold strategy.
Beyond the paintwork, Haas has incorporated personalised details into the 2025 F1 Canadian GP weekend’s tribute. Race suits will match the throwback design, and the front wings of both cars will feature the names of team members who have contributed throughout the past nine years. These touches honour the collective effort that underpins any F1 team’s longevity and success.
The livery also reinforces identity and cohesion at a time when morale can play a subtle but significant role in performance. While the competitive grid leaves little room for sentimentality, such tributes offer a reminder of progress and continuity—qualities that may help the team find a competitive edge.
From newcomer to established midfield competitor
Since its inception, Haas has adopted a distinct operational model—relying on a close technical partnership with Ferrari and a lean structure that emphasised efficiency and outsourcing. This approach allowed the team to compete in the midfield without the extensive legacy infrastructure that many rivals possessed.
In its debut year, the team immediately outperformed expectations, scoring points in its very first race. By 2018, it had established itself as a credible midfield force, with consistent points finishes and competitive qualifying performances.
Haas also made headlines more recently. In 2022, Kevin Magnussen stunned the paddock by securing pole position for the São Paulo Sprint race, while in 2023 he earned the team’s highest-ever GP starting position—fourth on the grid at the Miami GP.
However, like many midfield teams, Haas has faced inconsistencies. Peaks in performance have often been followed by periods of struggle, particularly when regulation changes or specific circuit characteristics have exposed limitations in car development. The 200th GP, therefore, stands as both a celebration and a chance to reassert the team’s ambition to contend more consistently.
Plenty of memories made and many more on the way 👊🇺🇸#HaasF1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/D9ghVtZS2H
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) June 11, 2025
Bearman and Ocon reflect on the occasion
The current driver pairing of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon offers a blend of emerging talent and seasoned experience—an appropriate combination for a weekend of both reflection and competition.
Bearman gives a rookie’s perspective
Bearman, in his first full season with the team, recognises the weight of the occasion despite his limited time at Haas.
“I am very proud of the team and how far they have come,” he said. “Of course it is strange to say, I have only been there for 10 races, but they are the youngest team in F1 and to hit such an incredible milestone of 200 races is very special. I’ve very happy for them and glad to have played a very small part in their fantastic journey.”
Bearman also noted his admiration for the team’s origins and early achievements, which he has discussed with former driver Romain Grosjean.
“I have spoken to Romain a bit because he has been at a few races, and listening to how far the team has come since then is a very special feeling to see as well.”
He also expressed appreciation for long-serving personnel like Team Principal Ayao Komatsu.
“There are a few people who have been there since the beginning, like Ayao and it is nice to see the loyalty and how hard he has been working for us.”
Ocon hopes for good luck in Montreal
Ocon, who also made his F1 debut in 2016, albeit later in the year and with the Manor team, also reflected on his current team’s milestone. Having watched the race as an outsider, he fondly recalls their introduction, marked by Grosjean’s P6 finish that weekend. He also welcomed the commemorative elements of the 2025 F1 Canadian GP weekend, stating that he hoped they would bring Haas luck for the team’s 200th race.
“I remember Romain’s radio message saying, ‘Welcome to Formula 1, guys,’” he recalled. “That [P6] was pretty impressive I would say. Definitely a nice first race and we are all wearing these colours this weekend, the full suit, the livery. We have team members’ [names] on the front wing as well written down, and it is a nice little throwback and I hope that this will bring us luck this weekend.”
Ocon focused on performance amid celebration
Despite the celebration and symbolism of the 2025 F1 Canadian GP weekend, Ocon remained focused on the team’s performance. He noted that while they had had positive moments across the recent triple header, most notably in Monaco, the Kannapolis-based team still had to improve performance and especially consistency.
“I think the good thing is that, when we were able to have decent pace, we have managed to take opportunities and get the result and score some decent points, like [in] Monaco. But we need to work a little bit more on the consistency, try and get more performance out of the car when the track does not necessarily suit our package.”
However, Ocon noted that Haas had been working on their short-comings, constantly chasing improvements as the worked towards being at the top of their game amid tight, fierce competition throughout the grid.
“We are working on all of that with the team, and I hope that we can get a little bit more out of this weekend and the next ones because obviously it’s very tight throughout the whole grid. Everyone is improving, there are no people that are not dangerous at the moment so it is interesting out there. We need to be on top of our game.”
Bearman hoping for good performance after setback in Spain
Bearman echoed his teammate’s words, noting the need of improvement and recovery after a challenging round in Spain. He emphasised the need for Haas to turn the page ahead of the 2025 F1 Canadian GP, as they chase good performance to mark the “very special moment.”
“It was a tough one for us in Barcelona. I think made tougher by the fact that some rivals had some good results,” Bearman admitted. “Good for them, but shows that we still have a bit of work to do. This is a big milestone race for us and I am really happy to be here and it is a very special moment for the entire team, but of course a good performance would be great.”
The challenge ahead in Montreal
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve presents a unique test. With its high-speed straights, heavy braking zones and low-grip surface, the Montreal layout often allows midfield teams to capitalise on efficient aero setups and smart strategy. Safety cars and weather variables further complicate race planning. In recent years, teams have been rewarded for bold tyre calls and adaptive race management—elements Haas will hope to execute effectively. A clean weekend in Canada could provide a morale boost to match the occasion.
While this weekend is understandably dominated by Haas’s 200th GP celebration, the focus will quickly return to performance and development. With a demanding calendar ahead, featuring contrasting circuits such as the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Singapore, adaptability remains a priority.
The current driver pairing offers a solid foundation for continued growth. Bearman’s early promise and Ocon’s experience reflect the team’s aim to blend short-term results with long-term progression.
