Esteban Ocon Calls Abu Dhabi GP Q3 Appearance His “Best Moment of 2025”

After a disheartening Friday practice where he felt “lost” with the car, Ocon delivered a standout performance in qualifying, reaching Q3 for only the third time this year and the first since the Monaco Grand Prix in May.

A Difficult Season Turned Around

Ocon’s journey in 2025 has been marked by inconsistency and the challenge of adapting to Haas. After being dropped by Alpine at the end of 2024, Ocon joined Haas with a point to prove. However, the season has been tough, with the Frenchman often struggling to match the pace of his rookie teammate, Oliver Bearman.

But at Yas Marina, everything changed. Ocon found the right braking balance and car setup, allowing him to progress through Q1 and Q2 with confidence. In Q3, he posted a time just 0.706 seconds off Max Verstappen’s pole position, securing eighth place.

The Significance of Q3

Ocon’s return to Q3 is not just a personal triumph but a testament to Haas’ progress and his own resilience. “I think the changes [made after FP3] definitely helped me a little bit more to feel better in qualifying,” Ocon said.

“In Q3, the track temp is coming down, you can push a bit more, and that’s exactly what we did.”

His performance was all the more impressive given the context: Haas has struggled for consistency throughout 2025. Yet, in Abu Dhabi, Ocon outqualified Bearman and several more experienced drivers, including Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly.

What This Means for Haas and Ocon’s Future

For Haas, Ocon’s result is a much-needed boost as the team looks to build momentum for 2026. Ocon’s ability to extract performance from the car in high-pressure conditions bodes well for his future with the team. Ocon himself is optimistic about the road ahead, stating, “If I do a good job, an opportunity will come.”

Looking Ahead to the Race

Starting eighth, Ocon will aim to convert his qualifying success into points—a crucial objective for Haas as the season draws to a close. With overtaking notoriously difficult at Yas Marina, a strong start and smart strategy will be key. If Ocon can maintain his position or even gain places, it will cap off a memorable weekend and provide a solid foundation for 2026.