Bearman has no doubts that Haas is "going to be in the mix"

Ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, Haas driver Ollie Bearman reckoned that he has has no doubt that the American outfit is "going to be in the mix" at the Red Bull Ring.

Following the Canadian Grand Prix, the F1 field is back in Europe, with the Red Bull Ring playing host to the first location of another back-to-back races.

Austria joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1964, though a rudimentary circuit at Zeltweg Airport was unpopular, and when the championship returned in 1970 it did so at a new venue nearby.

Haas heads to Austria in sixth position in the Constructors’ Championship, on 28 points. Esteban Ocon has contested nine grands prix in Austria, which includes the pair of Styrian Grand Prix rounds held in 2020 and 2021, and claimed a best finish of fifth in 2022. Ollie Bearman will contest his first grand prix in Austria but last year triumphed in FIA Formula 2 at the Red Bull Ring.

Explaining the challenges of the Red Bull Ring, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu noted: “We come back to Europe after our successful 200th Grand Prix in Canada, and we always enjoy coming to this exciting circuit in the middle of the Austrian countryside. The Red Bull Ring has a good flow of corners with big undulations.

"Along with a combination of three straights that have DRS, heavy braking corners, and sequences of medium- to high-speed corners, it’s hard on tires and always offers good racing.

"We’re in an extremely tight midfield battle and hence every single detail makes a difference. We need to start this weekend strong and build up well to qualifying and the race.”

Building on his "fond memories" from his junior categories, Bearman reckoned that he has has no doubt that the American outfit is "going to be in the mix" at the Red Bull Ring.

“I’ve got fond memories of the Red Bull Ring winning here last year, and after a solid weekend in Canada, I’m feeling good. It’s a beautiful location with really passionate fans, so it’s definitely a highlight of the European part of the season.

"It’s a short, fast and undulating track, so it’s a pleasure to drive when you hook a lap together. It’s important to have good communication and preparation here, but I’ve got no doubt we’re going to be in the mix.”

His team-mate Esteban Ocon has nice memories from the Red Bull Ring: “Austria is always an interesting weekend. It’s quite hard for brakes around the Red Bull Ring and it’s one of the races that’s a little bit in altitude. It has very high-speed sections, something more towards the quickest tracks of the year, and it’s one of the classics.

"It’s the location of my first podium as well, a long time ago now in Formula Renault, and back then it was a very different track. What’s remained the same is the amazing atmosphere, we all enjoy racing here.”