It’s been confirmed that Frenchman Esteban Ocon has no future in Haas’ Formula One Team. Who could replace the outgoing driver, and what does his future hold?
Ocon confirms he’s leaving Haas
In a statement to his fans, Ocon confirmed his time with the team would come to an end at the end of the 2026 season.
The French driver said, “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.”
He finished his statement with confidence, saying, “I am still motivated. I am still hungry. This is absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career.”
So who will Haas replace him with?
Potential suitors to replace Ocon
A few names have circulated for the open seat at Haas for 2027: a lot of young talents, but also some nurtured professionals who can help with developing Ollie Bearman’s talents.
Rafael Camara
The 2025 F3 Champion and a current F2 championship leader, Rafael Camara is a frontrunner for the vacant seat.
The 21-year-old Brazilian has talent in abundance, with remarkable speed, overtaking skills and defensive but clean driving. Skills which aided him in the 2025 F3 title.
The current F2 leader is part of the Ferrari Junior Programme, just like his potential teammate Bearman. A potential loaning of the driver to Haas, who are a Ferrari-powered team.
Haas have developed Bearman relatively well, guided by Ayao Komatsu, and the British driver has secured 23 points for a team still struggling with its car development on a low budget.
Camara could help Haas develop as a team, with younger drivers bringing in hunger and determination to help themselves reach a potential Ferrari seat in the future.
Leonardo Fornaroli
Another young name touted for the vacancy is Italian driver and back-to-back winner of F3 and F2 titles. Leonardo Fornaroli.
The Italian is currently part of McLaren’s Junior Programme. It’s highly unlikely he will drive for the Papaya team due to the long-term contracts of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both due to stay with the team for the next few years.
The Italian will not want to suffer the same fate as other young F2 champions like Theo Pourchaire and Felipe Drugovich. Both names never got a chance in F1 and have had to venture elsewhere to develop their racing careers.
Fornaroli may not have won a race during his junior championship-winning seasons, but his ability to score points consistently and stay out of trouble on track can be a huge help to Haas.
The 21-year-old has experience in F1 cars, with many testing and simulation programmes for McLaren.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has praised his fellow countryman’s development with the team.
The Italian said, “Leonardo is certainly an asset for Formula 1 in the future. Leonardo, we want him to drive, certainly. In the future, he may drive for McLaren Racing, but I think we should work together with Leonardo to explore possibilities in Formula 1.”
Lending him to Haas or allowing him to join the American outfit permanently would aid the young driver in fulfilling his dreams.
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda could be a safe but proven driver to replace Ocon. The Japanese driver is without a full-time seat currently but has stepped into the Racing Bulls car this season to provide cover for Liam Lawson, who covered for Isack Hadjar, who was injured for a few races.
With Toyota’s partnership with Haas, the Japanese manufacturer could help persuade Gene Haas to hire Tsunoda as the country takes to having a native driver operate their machinery with great pride.
Tsunoda is a consistent driver for a team in the midfield and has experience with the new regulations and cars introduced in 2026.
He has proven in his past season that he is an excellent teammate and helps those around him score points; he can also score points regularly himself when he finds himself in point-scoring positions.
What is next for Ocon and his career?
Ocon has backed himself to find his way back into a drive. A possibility could find him sooner than he thinks in the form of Cadillac.
Cadillac currently have a lineup of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, but Bottas has had a disastrous season.
At the Singapore Grand Prix, the Finnish driver was close to being lapped by Perez in the same vehicle.
With Bottas’ poor form and seemingly disinterested in the sport, Ocon could find himself in a seat to help the new team develop.
Ocon and Perez both have experience in developing teams; they’re both race winners, despite not being at the prime of their talents, and can help the new outfit develop into a point-scoring team.
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