Esteban Ocon is set to leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1® season, leaving a vacancy alongside Oliver Bearman for the 2027 campaign. Haas is currently considering five main contenders to fill this seat, reflecting a mix of emerging talent and strategic partnerships within the sport.
Ocon’s time at Haas, which began in 2025, did not meet expectations despite his prior experience and achievements, including four podiums and a victory in Hungary. His departure opens the door for a fresh driver lineup, with Bearman confirmed to continue at Haas in 2027. The candidates under consideration include Leonardo Fornaroli, Ryo Hirakawa, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Rafael Camara.
Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren’s 2026 test driver and 2023 Formula 2 and Formula 3 champion, is a strong candidate. Praised for his technical feedback and professional attitude, Fornaroli may be loaned to Haas by McLaren. Meanwhile, Ryo Hirakawa, Haas’s reserve driver since 2025 and a Toyota World Endurance Championship winner, is also in the mix despite limited experience in international single-seater racing.
Yuki Tsunoda, a former Red Bull junior driver who was dropped from the main Formula 1® team in 2025 and currently serves as a reserve driver, has shown promising performances when filling in at Racing Bulls. However, his ties to Honda may complicate his chances at Haas, which has a partnership with Toyota. Liam Lawson, another Red Bull junior and Racing Bulls driver, faces a career crossroads. Moving to Haas could be seen as a step down in the short term but might offer a more stable long-term seat.
Rafael Camara, who leads the 2026 Formula 2 championship and is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is considered the favourite for the seat. Ferrari, as Haas’s engine supplier, is reportedly keen on Camara joining the team alongside Bearman, potentially setting up a competitive driver pairing. Both Fornaroli and Camara have recently participated in Haas’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, with Fornaroli completing a two-day test in June and Camara impressing during a recent session at Portimao.
The final decision on Ocon’s replacement remains pending, with no official announcement made by Haas. The team’s choice will likely balance driver development, technical partnerships, and long-term strategy. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of driver lineups in Formula 1®, where affiliations with engine suppliers and junior programmes often influence opportunities.
As the 2026 season progresses towards its conclusion, Haas’s driver lineup for 2027 will become clearer, reflecting both the team’s ambitions and the evolving landscape of emerging talent in the sport.