Esteban Ocon to leave Haas at end of 2026 season, Formula 1 says
Ocon, a Grand Prix winner, has no confirmed seat for 2027, and Haas is expected to reshape its driver lineup.
What we know
- Formula 1 said in a post on X that Esteban Ocon has officially confirmed he will part ways with Haas after this season. [1]
- Ocon is 13 points behind teammate Ollie Bearman in the drivers' standings, according to Formula 1's analysis. [4]
- Ocon has no confirmed drive for 2027, and a reserve role looks the most likely outcome, according to Formula 1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto. [4]
- Not yet confirmed: Haas has not announced its 2027 lineup. Formula 1's correspondent, citing sources, reported that Ollie Bearman will stay and that Ferrari junior Rafael Camara is expected to get the second seat. Ocon's plans for 2027 are also unconfirmed.
Esteban Ocon will leave the Haas Formula 1 team at the end of the 2026 season, Formula 1 said in a post on X. The series said Ocon had officially confirmed the split. [1]
Formula 1 quoted Ocon in a second post as saying: "I leave this project with my head held high." [2]
According to an analysis by Formula 1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto, Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu signed Ocon for 2025. It was the first time the American team had run a Grand Prix winner. Ocon finished that season behind rookie teammate Ollie Bearman, and Komatsu acknowledged the team "expected more" from Ocon. [4]
Barretto wrote that Bearman started this season strongly, finishing seventh in Australia and fifth in China, while Ocon struggled to find a rhythm. Ocon currently trails Bearman by 13 points. [4]
Barretto reported that Haas ran several testing sessions with previous-year cars to evaluate other drivers. They included Formula 2 champion Leo Fornaroli, Ferrari junior Rafael Camara and reserves Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. He wrote that Komatsu told Ocon of the decision ahead of the Baku weekend. [4]
Barretto wrote that Ocon wants to stay in Formula 1 and is not interested in opportunities outside the sport. Most teams have finalized their 2027 lineups, and Aston Martin is no longer an option after Fernando Alonso re-signed, according to the analysis. Barretto said a reserve role, possibly with Mercedes, looks the most likely outcome. [4]
After finishing eighth in Baku, Ocon said: "I will keep pushing as much as I can." [4]
RECEIPTS · 4 SOURCES
- 1POST ON X · @F1 (Formula 1)BREAKING: Esteban Ocon has officially confirmed he will part ways with Haas after this season #F1 https://t.co/F03M7QrtivOpen source ↗ Archived copy
- 2POST ON X · @F1 (Formula 1)"I leave this project with my head held high" 💪 Esteban Ocon and Haas will part ways at the end of 2026 🚨 #F1 https://t.co/XpdADZ5IVrOpen source ↗ Archived copy
- 3POST ON X · @F1 (Formula 1)Esteban Ocon is leaving Haas at the end of the season ❌ Lawrence Barretto analyses why Haas are looking elsewhere for 2027 – and where that Open source ↗ Archived copy
- 4REPORT · www.formula1.comwww.formula1.comOpen source ↗ Archived copy