Ocon: 'Drivers are not the problem' at Haas as future hangs in balance

Esteban Ocon insists "drivers are not the problem" at a struggling Haas team, even as his Formula 1 future with the squad comes under increasing scrutiny.

Why it matters:

Haas is mired in a seven-race point-less streak, its joint-worst since 2021. With Ocon's contract expiring and the team testing potential replacements, the Frenchman's seat for 2027 is far from secure.

The details:

• Car inconsistency: The VF-26 has suffered from unpredictable performance from its parts, and Haas's latest aero upgrades at Monza haven't fully cured it. Ocon says the issue has affected him in 10 of 13 rounds.
• Teammate battle: Ocon has been outqualified 12-6 by Oliver Bearman and outscored 18-3, though Bearman's early heroics account for most of that points gap. Since April, Ocon has actually edged Bearman 2-1.
• Replacement test: Haas ran reserve Ryo Hirakawa, F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Ferrari junior Rafael Camara in a TPC test at Portimao, heightening speculation about Ocon's future.
• Ocon's view: "When we get the cars to a healthy state where they can perform, we perform as drivers," he said. "It is clear that inside the team the drivers are not the problem."

What's next:

Ocon confirmed contract discussions with Haas are underway, but the team's willingness to test other drivers suggests no decision is imminent. With Haas sliding down the midfield, both Ocon and Bearman need a more consistent car to prove their worth.