Summary
- Ocon says he deserves to remain in F1 after Haas confirmed his departure.
- The Frenchman rejects the suggestion that inconsistent performances caused the split.
- His priority remains Formula 1, while Toyota has denied rumours of a 2027 WEC agreement.
Esteban Ocon has expressed frustration at his uncertain future after Haas confirmed that he will leave at the end of 2026. Speaking at Sepang on Thursday, the Frenchman insisted he deserves to remain in Formula 1 and intends to keep pursuing opportunities for next season.
Haas’ announcement ends his two-year spell alongside Oliver Bearman. However, Ocon regards the departure as a setback rather than the conclusion of his F1 career, arguing that his work has helped the team identify and address problems.
“It is frustrating because it’s not really the way it should be,” Ocon said. “I don’t think I deserve to have this for the future,” he added.
Ocon declined to detail everything that had happened during his time at Haas. His emphasis was on finding another opportunity and using the remaining races to demonstrate his value.
He believes his contribution to identifying the car’s shortcomings has benefited the wider organisation, even though it has not secured his place for 2027.
Ocon disputes performance explanation for Haas exit
Asked whether inconsistent performances had led to the separation, Ocon rejected that interpretation.
“No, I don’t think that has anything to do with that,” he replied.
That is Ocon’s assessment of the decision. He did not disclose an alternative explanation for the split, and his comments do not establish precisely why Haas chose to move on.
The team has confirmed his departure without announcing a replacement. Rafael Câmara is the reported favourite, as detailed in GRANDE PRÊMIO’s coverage of the seat opening at Haas.
Ocon joined Haas from Alpine in 2025. His best result with the team remains fifth at the Chinese Grand Prix that year, achieved in only his second race for the American outfit.
Formula 1 remains his priority
Ocon made clear that he is concentrating on staying in the championship, rather than redirecting his career towards another category.
“My focus is on Formula 1. That is clear, that’s where I belong, that’s where I want to be,” he said.
He continues to work on a solution for 2027 and believes circumstances can still change. No new race seat or reserve agreement has been announced.
A reserve position would nevertheless offer a route to maintain his involvement while seeking another racing opportunity. Ocon has followed that path before: he spent 2019 as Mercedes’ reserve after losing his previous seat, then returned to the grid with Renault in 2020.
He does not want to repeat that interruption, but has indicated that he would accept it if necessary.
Toyota denies WEC agreement
Rumours linking Ocon with Toyota’s World Endurance Championship programme have also been rejected by the manufacturer’s adviser, Alexander Wurz.
“There’s nothing to these rumours,” Wurz told Formel1.de’s YouTube channel. “Our line-up for next year is 100% full,” he added.
Wurz explained that Toyota’s drivers have long-term contracts and that continuity is important to the relationships within its shared-car crews. A Toyota move therefore cannot be presented as an agreed destination for Ocon.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.
F1 today: FAQ
What time does F1 practice start at Sepang?
Friday practice begins on 2 October. FP1 starts at 05:30 BST in the UK, 10:00 IST in India and 14:30 AEST in Sydney and Melbourne. In New York and Toronto, it starts at 00:30 EDT; in Los Angeles and Vancouver, at 21:30 PDT on Thursday. FP2 begins three and a half hours later.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas and retiring from F1?
Ocon will leave Haas at the end of 2026, but says he intends to remain in Formula 1. He has not announced retirement and would consider a reserve role while seeking another race seat.
What happened to Oscar Piastri at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Piastri was running near the front in Baku before a mistake during a Safety Car restart dropped him out of podium contention. He finished 14th, adding to a difficult 2026 season for the McLaren driver.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas?
Yes. Haas confirmed that Ocon will leave at the end of the 2026 season. His replacement has not been announced.
