Esteban Ocon is confirmed to leave the Haas Formula 1® Team at the end of the 2026 season, but the French driver remains determined to continue his career in the sport. Ocon has been clear that his departure is not due to underperformance, pointing instead to the challenges posed by the car’s inconsistency and lack of competitiveness.
Haas officially announced Ocon’s exit after a period of speculation within the paddock. Despite this, Ocon insists his focus remains firmly on securing a seat in Formula 1® for 2027, emphasizing that he is not looking to race outside the category. His recent strong showings in races such as Baku and Madrid serve, in his view, as evidence that he deserves to stay in the championship.
Ocon joined Haas after five years with Alpine, where he notably won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. At Haas, he has faced a difficult season with the VF-26 car, which has struggled with aerodynamic and stability issues. These problems have affected both Ocon and his teammate Oliver Bearman, although Bearman has generally achieved better results with the same machinery.
Ocon has been candid about the car’s shortcomings, a stance acknowledged by Haas. The team is reportedly considering Rafael Camara, a driver from Ferrari’s young driver programme, as a potential replacement for Ocon. Meanwhile, Ocon is exploring other possibilities, including a potential role with Cadillac or a test driver position at Aston Martin.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future beyond Haas, Ocon remains optimistic about remaining in Formula 1®. He stresses that his recent performances demonstrate his capability to compete at this level, even if the car has not always allowed him to showcase his full potential.
As the 2026 season progresses, Ocon’s situation highlights the challenges faced by drivers in less well-funded teams, where car performance can heavily influence results. His departure from Haas marks a significant moment in the driver market, with several options still open but no confirmed destination as yet.
Ocon’s comments underline the complex relationship between driver performance and machinery in Formula 1®. His focus on staying within the sport reflects the competitive nature of the championship and the limited opportunities available to experienced drivers. The coming months will be crucial in determining where Ocon’s career heads next.