Esteban Ocon to leave Haas as F1 2027 replacement emerges

Esteban Ocon has been informed that he will not race for Haas in F1 2027, with the American team set to promote Ferrari-backed Rafa Camara from Formula 2. The Frenchman will become a free agent, leaving his future on the grid uncertain.

Why it matters:

Haas is reshaping its driver line-up around Ferrari's young driver program, while Ocon's exit adds another twist to a driver market that is nearly closed. With limited seats left, the 29-year-old faces an uphill battle to stay on the grid.

The details:

• Haas is expected to pair Camara with Oliver Bearman, both Ferrari academy drivers, though the line-up is not yet confirmed.
• Commercial considerations and Ferrari's support for Camara are said to have influenced the decision.
• Ocon trails Bearman 18-3 in the championship, but the gap does not tell the full story: inconsistency in VF-26 components has hurt Ocon more than his teammate.
• Other names considered include Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa and Sho Tsunoi, plus Jack Doohan after an impressive TPC outing at Jerez.

Ocon, speaking in Baku, admitted his situation: "At the moment, I'm definitely a free agent for next year. There are things in discussion that are out of my control."

Between the lines:

Despite the setback, Ocon insists he is delivering when the car works. He cited his points finish in Madrid as evidence, following the team's previous score in Monaco.

What's next:

The only remaining seat is at Racing Bulls, but Red Bull is expected to keep Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. With few options, Ocon may have to look outside F1 or hope for a late-market shift.