Haas could be preparing for another major driver change as Jack Doohan reportedly emerges as the leading candidate to replace Esteban Ocon for the Brazilian Grand Prix following the Frenchman’s dramatic departure from the Mexico City weekend.
With just four races remaining in the 2026 Formula 1 season, the American team faces an increasingly complicated situation surrounding its driver lineup. While Ocon’s future remains uncertain following his reported confrontation with team principal Ayao Komatsu, paddock speculation is intensifying over who will take his seat for the remainder of the championship.
JACK DOOHAN BECOMES THE PADDOCK’S FAVOURITE
According to reports, Jack Doohan is now considered the paddock’s leading bet to replace Ocon at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Journalist Julianne Cerasoli reportedly indicated that expectations within the F1 community are increasingly leaning towards the Australian getting the opportunity.
Doohan’s possible return would represent a significant development in his career after his difficult departure from Alpine during the 2025 season. The Australian was dismissed just six races into that campaign, bringing an abrupt end to his initial Formula 1 opportunity.
However, his experience could make him an attractive short-term option for Haas, particularly with the team needing someone capable of stepping into a competitive environment without an extended preparation period.
OCON’S HAAS FUTURE REMAINS UNCERTAIN AFTER MEXICO
Ocon’s situation has become one of the most dramatic stories surrounding the Haas team in recent weeks. The Frenchman was removed from the car following an alleged confrontation with Komatsu after FP2 at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Ocon has denied engaging in violence, but the incident resulted in him being sidelined for the remainder of the weekend. Haas subsequently handed the opportunity to Ryo Hirakawa, who had already participated in FP1 for the team.
Reports from Brazil suggest that Ocon’s return for the remaining races is now considered highly unlikely, although Haas has not officially confirmed his permanent departure.
The uncertainty creates an uncomfortable situation for a driver whose contract is reportedly approaching its conclusion, particularly with Rafael Camara expected to join Haas in 2027.
RYO HIRAKAWA’S MEXICO PERFORMANCE PUTS HIM IN THE CONVERSATION
Hirakawa demonstrated that Haas could potentially rely on its reserve driver after an impressive Formula 1 debut in Mexico.
The Japanese driver qualified 19th before being promoted to 18th following Liam Lawson’s qualifying disqualification. Despite the challenges of entering a race weekend under unexpected circumstances, Hirakawa managed to finish 10th and secure a championship point.
His performance immediately strengthened his case for another opportunity, particularly considering the difficult circumstances surrounding his debut.
However, the paddock’s growing preference for Doohan suggests Haas could be considering a different direction for Brazil. The decision would not necessarily diminish Hirakawa’s performance but could reflect the team’s desire for a driver with previous Formula 1 race experience.
RAFAEL CAMARA ALSO EMERGES AS A POTENTIAL OPTION
Another possibility involves Rafael Camara, the Ferrari junior expected to join Haas in 2027 following Ocon’s contract expiration.
Giving Camara an early opportunity would allow Haas to evaluate its future driver before the next season begins. It could also provide valuable experience ahead of his anticipated promotion.
Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has reportedly advocated for Camara to replace Ocon immediately. Nevertheless, UOL Esporte reports that the Brazilian driver’s representatives have not been contacted by Haas regarding an early promotion.
Camara is also involved in a competitive Formula 2 championship battle against Nikola Tsolov, making an immediate switch potentially complicated.
HAAS FACES A CRITICAL DECISION BEFORE BRAZIL
The Brazilian Grand Prix presents Haas with an important decision that could influence both its remaining championship campaign and preparations for 2027.
Doohan would offer the team a familiar Formula 1 driver with previous race experience, while Hirakawa has already demonstrated his ability to deliver points under pressure. Camara, meanwhile, represents a longer-term investment whose early promotion could accelerate his development.
For Haas, the priority will be finding a replacement capable of contributing immediately without allowing the ongoing driver uncertainty to become a distraction.
With the Brazilian Grand Prix approaching on November 6–8, the paddock’s attention is now firmly focused on whether Doohan will receive another opportunity to establish himself in Formula 1.
If the reported expectations prove correct, the Australian could make an unexpected return to the championship in one of the most dramatic circumstances of his career, replacing the very driver he previously substituted for at the 2024 Abu Dhabi season finale.
