P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Esteban Ocon revealed that Haas brought him a “late christmas present” in adapting his F1 steering wheel.
Esteban Ocon, upon joining Haas from Alpine, struggled to adapt to a one-paddle clutch system, expressing safety concerns initially. Haas quickly provided him with a new steering wheel featuring two clutch paddles, enabling him to feel more comfortable and secure while driving. Ocon’s teammate, Oliver Bearman, on the other hand, has successfully adapted to a single-paddle clutch system. Ocon, accustomed to a dual-paddle clutch system since his F1 debut in 2016, found it challenging to transition mid-career. Despite the adjustments, Ocon praised Haas for their swift response in addressing his needs, ensuring he feels at ease behind the wheel. The importance of driver comfort with steering wheels and clutch paddles cannot be understated, especially when transitioning between teams in Formula 1. Overall, Ocon appreciates Haas’ efforts in assisting him with the necessary adaptations for the upcoming seasons.
