Ocon's F1 Career Could Be Over After 2025, Says Schumacher

Esteban Ocon's Formula 1 career may be on its last legs. According to former driver Ralf Schumacher, the Frenchman will be sidelined by Haas after the current season – if not sooner. Outperformed by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman, Ocon has just one point to Bearman's 17, and Schumacher says his reputation for creating a difficult atmosphere inside the team is finally catching up with him.

Why it matters:

Ocon's departure would mark the end of a once-promising career that included a surprise win in Hungary 2021. More immediately, it could force Haas to rebuild its entire driver lineup for 2026, as Bearman is a Ferrari loanee who could be recalled if the Scuderia needs him. The ripple effects could open doors for Toyota protégés or Alpine refugees.

The details:

• Performance gap: Ocon has been eclipsed by Bearman, both in points and on track. Schumacher: "At best he's equal to Bearman, and most of the time he's worse."
• Team atmosphere: Schumacher notes Ocon's pattern of friction – first with Pierre Gasly at Alpine, now with Bearman at Haas. "He's an incredibly nice guy when you meet him, but he seems difficult within the team, especially when he's slower."
• Bearman's status: The Briton is on loan from Ferrari. If Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc were to leave Maranello, Ferrari would logically promote Bearman, leaving Haas with two empty seats.
• Potential replacements:
  • Ryo Hirakawa – Haas reserve driver, 32, currently starring in WEC with Toyota. Age works against a long F1 stint.
  • Jack Doohan – Also a Haas reserve, former Alpine driver looking for a second chance. His decision to sign as a reserve suggests he sees a path to a race seat.

What's next:

Schumacher is blunt: "I can't imagine we'll still see Ocon next year. That's as good as certain, unless a team has a big problem." Haas may even start looking for a mid-season replacement. Either way, Ocon's F1 career appears to be winding down, and the American team faces a crucial driver market puzzle for 2026.