Esteban Ocon to leave Haas F1 team at end of 2026 season
Esteban Ocon has confirmed he will depart Haas F1 at the conclusion of the 2026 season following a performance gap with teammate Oliver Bearman.
- Headline: Esteban Ocon to leave Haas F1 team at end of 2026 season
- Dispatch Summary: Esteban Ocon has confirmed he will depart Haas F1 at the conclusion of the 2026 season following a performance gap with teammate Oliver Bearman.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
Esteban Ocon has confirmed his departure from Haas F1 at the conclusion of the 2026 season, ending a two-year stint with the American team that has been defined by mixed results and a widening performance gap with his teammate, Oliver Bearman. The 30-year-old French driver, who joined Haas from Alpine in 2025, announced the news via social media, stating he would “give it my everything” in the remaining races of the season while expressing confidence in his continued relevance to Formula One.
Ocon’s exit comes after a season in which he finished 16th in the Drivers’ Championship with seven points, 13 points behind Bearman, who secured 20 points and a 10-4 qualifying head-to-head advantage over Ocon in 2026. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu praised Ocon’s “professionalism and commitment,” noting his contributions during a challenging regulatory transition for the team. However, the decision to part ways reflects dissatisfaction with Ocon’s performance, particularly in comparison to the 21-year-old Bearman.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ocon’s 2026 Championship Position | 16th |
| Ocon’s Points | 7 |
| Bearman’s 2026 Championship Position | 13th |
| Bearman’s Points | 20 |
| Ocon’s Career Wins | 1 (2021 Hungarian Grand Prix) |
| Ocon’s Career Starts with Haas | 39 |
Haas has not yet named a replacement for Ocon, though Brazilian Ferrari junior Rafael Camara is widely viewed as the favorite to join Bearman in 2027. Camara, 21, leads the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship with 207 points and is under contract with Ferrari, which supplies Haas with its power units. The team’s decision to align with two Ferrari juniors underscores its strategic focus on nurturing young talent, a move that has left Ocon’s future in F1 in question.
Ocon, however, has dismissed the notion that his career is over. “This is absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career,” he stated, citing his 10 years in the sport and 195 career starts. He acknowledged the “easiest of circumstances for various reasons and factors outside of my control” but emphasized his determination to “maximise every opportunity” in the remaining races. His next appearance will be at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the first of eight races left in the 2026 season.
The Frenchman’s potential transition to a reserve driver role has been highlighted by his previous experience with Mercedes in 2019, after being released by Force India. While he has expressed interest in remaining in F1, options are limited. Red Bull-owned Racing Bulls and newcomer Cadillac have yet to confirm their 2027 lineups, and both teams have indicated they may retain existing drivers. Ocon has also been linked to Toyota’s World Endurance Championship program, though no formal discussions have been reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Ocon at Haas?
Haas has not officially named a successor, but Ferrari junior Rafael Camara is the leading candidate to partner Oliver Bearman in 2027. Camara currently leads the Formula 2 Championship and is under contract with Ferrari, which supplies Haas with its power units.
What are Ocon’s prospects for a 2027 race seat?
Ocon’s chances of securing a race seat in 2027 are slim, as Red Bull-owned Racing Bulls and newcomer Cadillac have not confirmed their lineups. He may instead pursue a reserve driver role or explore opportunities in other series like the World Endurance Championship.
Why is Ocon leaving Haas?
Ocon’s departure follows a two-year tenure marked by performance gaps with teammate Oliver Bearman. Haas has expressed dissatisfaction with his results, particularly in 2026, when Bearman outscored him 20-7 and held a 10-4 qualifying advantage.
Ocon’s exit leaves a void in Haas’s lineup as the team prepares for the final stretch of the 2026 season. With the Bahrain Grand Prix looming, the focus remains on maximizing results before the season concludes. For Ocon, the challenge is to prove that his career is far from over, even as the path forward remains unclear.
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