Esteban Ocon to leave Haas at the end of 2026 season
Esteban Ocon at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria (2025) — Credit: Lucas Pripfl / Red Bull Ring
Esteban Ocon is set to part ways with Haas at the end of the current Formula One season, ending a two-year spell with the American-owned team.
Ocon posted on social media after the news was announced, saying: “My time with Haas F1 Team will come to an end at the end of the 2026 season. I leave this project with my head held high and proud of my performances in what were not always the easiest of circumstances for various reasons and factors outside of my control.
My immediate focus is the next race weekend. I will continue to work hard with the team, maximise every opportunity, and keep extracting every bit of performance from the car. There are still many races to go this season and, as always, I will give it my everything behind the wheel for myself and for my team.
I am still motivated. I am still hungry. This is absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career.”
The 30-year-old began life in F1 with Manor Racing in 2016 and, barring a season as Mercedes reserve driver in 2019, has been an ever-present figure in the sport since, also racing with Force India. His greatest result came courtesy of a victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for Alpine, where he raced for four seasons before joining Haas in 2025.
Prior to his time in F1, Ocon impressed with title wins in the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship for Prema Powerteam and the 2015 GP3 Series with ART Grand Prix.
As teams begin to fill their drivers’ spots for next season, the chances of Ocon remaining in F1 seem slim. The French driver has been outperformed by teammate Ollie Bearman since joining Haas, finishing two places behind him in last season’s championship, while currently sitting three places below him in this season’s standings.
While no replacement for Ocon has been announced, rumours suggest Ferrari Academy and current Invicta Racing driver Rafael Camara could be in line to step into the Haas seat in 2027. The Brazilian driver is currently leading the Formula 2 standings after 12 rounds of racing.
“His professionalism and commitment have proved valuable”
Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of TGR Haas F1 Team, commented: “I’d like to thank Esteban for everything he’s contributed to the team since joining us in 2025. His professionalism and commitment have proved valuable as we continue to grow as an organisation.
Together this year, we tackled the challenge of a major regulation change, where Esteban’s driving experience and inputs were significant as we’ve worked hard to develop the VF-26 across the season. There’s still plenty of racing ahead, and our focus remains on working together to maximise every opportunity through to the final race of the year.”
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Haas F1 & Red Bull Content Pool