News Summary
- Esteban Ocon has confirmed that he is a free agent for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
- Haas has evaluated several candidates but is increasingly expected to replace the Frenchman.
- Rafael Câmara is reportedly leading Leonardo Fornaroli, Ryō Hirakawa and Jack Doohan in the race for the seat.
Esteban Ocon has offered the clearest indication yet that his time with Haas could end after the 2026 season, confirming that he is a free agent and discussing options for next year.
Haas has not formally announced its 2027 driver line-up. Oliver Bearman is expected to remain, leaving Ocon’s seat as the final major uncertainty in the Formula 1 driver market.
“Yes, at the moment I am definitely a free agent for next year,” Ocon said ahead of the Azerbaijan GP.
“There are things in discussion that are out of my control and certain topics that are out of my control. I will keep pushing until the end of the year and see how it goes.”
Asked directly whether remaining with Haas was still possible, Ocon replied only: “Let’s see.”
The language is significant. Ocon joined Haas on what was initially announced as a multi-year agreement, but his admission confirms that the team has no binding commitment to retain him for 2027—or that an option required to extend the partnership has not been exercised.
Reports from The Race indicate that Haas is now expected to replace Ocon. The team has used its Testing of Previous Cars programme to compare several candidates, including Rafael Câmara, Leonardo Fornaroli and Ryō Hirakawa. Former Alpine driver Jack Doohan is also under consideration.
Câmara becomes favourite for Haas seat
Câmara currently appears to hold the advantage. The Ferrari Academy driver impressed during a private test at Portimão and reportedly gained the support of team owner Gene Haas.
GRANDE PRÊMIO has already detailed how Gene Haas’s backing placed Câmara in pole position for the 2027 seat, although no final agreement has been announced.
Ferrari is actively supporting Câmara’s promotion through financial backing and an extensive testing programme. The Brazilian has driven the SF-25 at the Hungaroring, Barcelona, Mugello and Imola while preparing for the demands of Formula 1.
His sporting case has also strengthened during the Formula 2 season. Câmara arrives in Azerbaijan only 7 points behind championship leader Nikola Tsolov, with Baku’s expanded F2 programme giving him an opportunity to take the championship lead.
Fornaroli remains a serious alternative after winning the 2025 F2 title, while Hirakawa brings substantial experience and the support of Haas partner Toyota. Doohan offers previous F1 race experience but has yet to complete his planned evaluation with the team.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu recently said Haas had “maybe five” candidates, including Ocon. The Frenchman’s latest comments, however, suggest the selection process has advanced without giving him any certainty.
Ocon defends performances amid Haas problems
Ocon insisted that his own performance has not been the reason for the uncertainty. He argued that recurring problems with the Haas car have limited his results during 2026, particularly when its behaviour has varied between sessions and race weekends.
“It’s reassuring that I’m doing a good job,” he said. “Obviously, my performance hasn’t been an issue this year. I’ve performed every time I had the car.”
Ocon highlighted his points finish in Monaco and said he was close to scoring again in Madrid. Haas has investigated whether the inconsistent performance is related to the car’s aerodynamic sensitivity or quality-control problems affecting individual components.
“Everybody in the team has been following that very closely and trying to fix the problem,” Ocon added. “We haven’t been hiding from it, but it has been quite disappointing at times to have these kinds of problems.”
Ocon has been driving in Formula 1 full-time since 2017 and has represented Force India, Renault, Alpine and Haas. He won the 2021 Hungarian GP and has recorded four podium finishes.
Haas has not set a public date for confirming its 2027 pairing. Ocon will continue alongside Bearman at the Azerbaijan GP, which takes place from 24–26 September, with the race held on Saturday.
F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas?
His departure has not been officially confirmed, but Ocon has declared himself a free agent and reports indicate Haas is preparing to replace him for 2027.
