Esteban Ocon and Haas will part ways at the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season, ending the French driver’s two-year spell with the American team. Ocon confirmed his departure on Sept. 30 after months of speculation surrounding his future.
Haas also confirmed the decision, thanking Ocon for his contribution since joining the team in 2025. Team principal Ayao Komatsu highlighted the driver’s professionalism and experience during a major regulation change for the team.
Ocon has not announced where he will race in 2027, but he made clear that his departure from Haas does not mean he is stepping away from Formula 1. His immediate focus remains on completing the 2026 campaign with Haas.
Haas confirms Ocon departure after 2026
Haas announced that Ocon’s time with the team will end after the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The announcement came shortly after Ocon shared the news himself, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.
Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 season after leaving Alpine. He arrived as an established Grand Prix winner and partnered with Ferrari-backed youngster Oliver Bearman, who was entering his first full F1 campaign.
Ocon has made 39 Grand Prix starts for Haas and has scored points in 12 races. His best result for the team was a fifth-place finish at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, where he scored 10 points.
Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 season
Haas brought Ocon into the team, hoping his experience would help the organization establish itself as a more consistent midfield competitor. His arrival also gave the team a driver with previous race-winning experience.
Ocon’s Formula 1 career began before his Haas move, and he had previously raced for teams including Force India, Renault and Alpine. His time at Haas also coincided with a significant technical transition.
Komatsu said Ocon’s experience and technical feedback were important as the team worked through the major regulation changes introduced for the 2026 season.
Bearman currently leads Ocon in points
Ocon spent both of his Haas seasons alongside Bearman, who has gradually established himself as the team’s leading performer. Bearman finished ahead of Ocon in the 2025 drivers’ championship, scoring 41 points to Ocon’s 38.
Bearman also held the advantage in the 2026 standings as of September 30. The official Formula 1 standings list Bearman in 13th place with 20 points and Ocon in 16th with seven points.
Bearman’s qualifying record has also favored him during the 2026 season. Formula 1 reported an earlier advantage of 10–5, although other later reports have listed different totals depending on which race weekend was included.
Ocon insists career is not ending
In his statement announcing the departure, Ocon emphasized that he remains motivated and wants to continue racing in Formula 1. He described the Haas chapter as something he would leave with pride while maintaining his focus on the remaining races.
Ocon had already described himself as a free agent ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. At the time, he said discussions were taking place regarding his future and indicated that his goal remained finding another opportunity in Formula 1.
His latest statement reinforced that position. Ocon said the Haas decision was not the end of his Formula 1 career, although he has yet to reveal which team or opportunity he could pursue for 2027.
Haas has yet to name a replacement
Haas has confirmed Ocon’s departure but has not announced his replacement. Team officials had previously said they were evaluating multiple drivers before reaching a decision about the 2027 lineup.
Rafael Camara has been widely reported as one of the leading candidates for the seat. The Ferrari-backed Brazilian is competing in Formula 2 and has been described by Formula 1 as the favorite to take Ocon’s seat.
Other drivers connected with Haas’ evaluation process include Leonardo Fornaroli, Jack Doohan and Ryō Hirakawa. However, Haas has not confirmed that any of them will replace Ocon next season.
Fun fact: Ocon made his Formula 1 debut in 2016 with Manor.
Several drivers remain in Haas contention
The decision on Ocon’s replacement comes as Haas prepares for another change in its driver lineup. Bearman’s expected continuation would give the team a familiar option while leaving the second seat open for a new driver.
Komatsu previously said Haas was evaluating several drivers before making its final decision with team owner Gene Haas. Reports have linked Rafael Camara, Leonardo Fornaroli, Jack Doohan and Ryō Hirakawa with the seat.
For now, the identity of Ocon’s successor remains unconfirmed. The team can continue assessing its options while Ocon completes the season and works toward securing his own next opportunity in the sport.
Ocon now focuses on final races
Although his Haas departure is settled, Ocon still has races remaining in the 2026 championship. He said his immediate priority is to continue working with the team and extract as much performance as possible from the VF-26.
The announcement means Ocon will finish his Haas tenure after two seasons. His final races will also be an opportunity to add to the 490 Formula 1 points, although the exact total may change as the 2026 season continues.
Whatever comes next, Ocon has made it clear that he wants to remain in Formula 1. His Haas chapter is ending, but his search for another seat will continue as the 2027 driver market takes shape.
Fun fact: Ocon has recorded four career podiums, with his only victory coming at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
TL;DR
- Esteban Ocon and Haas have confirmed they will part ways after the 2026 Formula 1 season, following two years together.
- Ocon joined Haas from Alpine in 2025 and has made 39 Grand Prix starts for the team.
- He has scored points in 12 Haas races, with his best result being fifth at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.
- Oliver Bearman finished ahead of Ocon in the 2025 championship and currently leads him 20–7 in the 2026 standings.
- Bearman is widely expected to remain with Haas, but the team has not formally confirmed its complete 2027 lineup.
- Haas has not announced Ocon’s replacement, with Rafael Camara and several other drivers reportedly under consideration.
- Ocon says his departure is not the end of his Formula 1 career and remains focused on finishing the 2026 season strongly.
Read More From This Brand:
- Lando Norris’ Coca-Cola clash exposes a bizarre side of Formula 1 sponsorships
- Fitzpatrick explains why he is uncomfortable playing golf events in the Middle East
- Was Mike Tyson the richest heavyweight champion in boxing history?
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
