Esteban Ocon has officially confirmed that his time with Haas will come to an end when the 2026 Formula 1 season concludes, bringing his two-year spell with the American team to a close. The announcement ends weeks of speculation surrounding the Frenchman’s future and immediately raises questions about where he could race in 2027.
Ocon joined Haas from Alpine ahead of the 2025 campaign and entered the partnership with considerable Formula 1 experience, including a Grand Prix victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. After two seasons with Haas, however, both sides will now move in different directions following the conclusion of the current championship.
OCON CONFIRMS THE HAAS SPLIT
Ocon announced that his time with Haas will end after the 2026 season, while making it clear that he does not regard the decision as the end of his Formula 1 career. The French driver said he remains motivated and focused on completing the current campaign before turning his attention fully toward what comes next.
The announcement comes only days after Ocon described himself as a free agent for 2027. At that point, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu had indicated that the team was still evaluating its options for next season. The situation has now been resolved with Ocon’s departure confirmed.
HAAS THANKS OCON FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION
Haas has also confirmed the split and thanked Ocon for his contribution since joining the organisation in 2025. Team principal Ayao Komatsu highlighted Ocon’s professionalism, commitment and experience, particularly during a season affected by major regulatory changes.
Komatsu also pointed to Ocon’s contribution to the development of the VF-26, indicating that his experience remained valuable to the team even as Haas prepared for a different driver line-up in 2027. The team now has the remainder of the season to maximise its results with Ocon before beginning a new chapter.
OCON’S 2026 CAMPAIGN
The timing of the announcement is significant because Ocon is currently 16th in the 2026 drivers’ championship, while Haas sits seventh in the constructors’ standings after 15 of 23 rounds. His teammate Oliver Bearman has scored 61 points compared with Ocon’s 45, according to Motorsport.com and Reuters.
Ocon has nevertheless continued to argue that the performance of the Haas machinery has played an important role in his results. His immediate objective now is to finish the remaining races strongly and demonstrate what he can produce during the final phase of his Haas tenure.
A NEW DRIVER IS EXPECTED AT HAAS
Haas has not officially announced Ocon’s replacement as part of the confirmation of his departure. Several drivers have been connected with the seat, including Ferrari-backed Brazilian Rafael Câmara, 2025 Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa and Haas reserve driver Jack Doohan.
Haas had already evaluated several potential candidates through testing programmes involving older Formula 1 machinery. That testing activity demonstrated that the team was actively examining its options, although the final decision remained pending before Ocon’s departure was announced.
Rafael Câmara has received particular attention in reports surrounding the vacant seat, but Haas has not formally confirmed him as Ocon’s successor. Therefore, any claim that Câmara has officially secured the drive should be treated separately from the confirmed news that Ocon is leaving.
WHAT HAPPENS TO OCON IN 2027?
The biggest unanswered question is where Ocon will compete next season. His announcement confirms that he is leaving Haas, but it does not confirm a new Formula 1 contract. Racing Bulls and Cadillac are among the teams whose 2027 line-ups have still been subject to discussion, although both have other driver options available.
Ocon’s Formula 1 experience remains substantial. He has raced for Manor, Force India, Renault, Alpine and Haas and has accumulated Grand Prix victories and podium finishes during his career. If a race seat does not materialise, a reserve or test role would represent another possible route for him to remain connected to Formula 1, although no such move has been confirmed.
WHY THE HAAS DECISION MATTERS
For Haas, Ocon’s departure represents another important stage in the team’s development. The organisation is continuing to build around its Ferrari relationship while also maintaining technical links with Toyota, meaning its next driver choice could form part of a broader strategy for the new competitive cycle.
For Ocon, the remaining races of 2026 now carry additional significance. With his Haas future settled, every remaining weekend provides another opportunity to add points, contribute to the team’s championship campaign and demonstrate his value to teams considering their 2027 options.
OCON INSISTS HIS F1 CAREER IS NOT OVER
Despite confirming his departure from Haas, Ocon has been emphatic that he does not consider this the conclusion of his Formula 1 career. His public comments indicate that he remains committed to finding another opportunity and intends to continue competing at the highest level.
The next phase of the 2026 season will therefore be closely watched as Ocon attempts to close his Haas chapter on a strong note. For now, the confirmed facts are straightforward: Ocon will leave Haas after the 2026 season, Haas has yet to officially announce his replacement, and Ocon’s destination for 2027 remains unresolved.
