Esteban Ocon has confirmed his plans to remain involved in Formula 1® after announcing he will leave the Haas F1 Team at the end of the 2026 season. Despite his departure, the French driver intends to continue competing in the sport, whether in a full-time racing role or potentially as a reserve driver.
Ocon’s decision comes as the 2027 grid is largely taking shape, with Haas expected to retain Ollie Bearman alongside a new teammate. Over his ten-year career in Formula 1®, Ocon has secured one race victory and three podium finishes. He has expressed a clear focus on delivering strong performances with Haas for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Since the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2026, Haas has shown improved consistency, highlighted by recent double points finishes, including a notable result in Baku. Ocon has played a key role in this progress, contributing to early identification of technical issues last year that helped the team enhance car reliability and overall performance.
Looking ahead to 2027, Ocon remains open to taking a reserve driver position if a full-time race seat is not immediately available. However, his preference is to continue competing regularly on the grid. His teammate Ollie Bearman, who is expected to stay with Haas, has praised Ocon’s speed and teamwork, noting the valuable experience gained from working alongside him.
Ocon’s announcement underscores the challenges drivers face in securing seats as the Formula 1® driver market evolves. His willingness to consider a reserve role reflects a pragmatic approach to staying connected with the sport while aiming for future racing opportunities.
Through the rest of the 2026 season, Ocon is committed to maximizing his performance with Haas, contributing to the team’s ongoing development and results. His departure at the season’s end marks a significant moment for both the driver and the team as they prepare for the next phase in their respective journeys within Formula 1®.