Ocon to lose Haas seat to Rafael Camara, Red Bull keeps Hadjar, Russell's Mercedes cleared – F1 roundup

Esteban Ocon has been told he will not stay with Haas for F1 2027, with Ferrari junior Rafael Camara set to partner Oliver Bearman. The news capped a busy Wednesday in Baku, where Red Bull confirmed Isack Hadjar stays alongside Max Verstappen and the FIA cleared George Russell's Mercedes after an extensive inspection.

Why it matters:

The driver market is entering its final phase. Haas's decision opens one of the few remaining seats, while Ocon's free-agent status could trigger a chain reaction involving Aston Martin and Racing Bulls. Red Bull's confirmation removes another variable from the 2027 puzzle.

The details:

• Ocon joined Haas from Alpine at the start of 2025 but has scored only three points this season. He says he is "definitely a free agent for next year" and "of course" in talks with other teams.
• Haas, Aston Martin and Racing Bulls are the only teams yet to finalise their 2027 lineups. Camara, a Ferrari junior, is expected to step up alongside Bearman.
• Red Bull announced Hadjar will remain for 2027 after impressing since his promotion from Racing Bulls. He was recently reinstated to third at Monaco, his first podium with the team.
• The FIA found Russell's Mercedes W17 compliant with F1 2026 technical regulations after an "extensive physical inspection" at the Spanish GP. The check was part of routine post-race procedures; Russell finished fifth in Madrid.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's 2027 calendar could extend beyond F1. With no clashes between F1's provisional calendar and the Nürburgring, Spa and Le Mans 24 Hours, Verstappen may enter all three endurance events. He impressed on his Nürburgring debut in May, leading before a mechanical problem.

What's next:

With only a few seats left, Ocon's next move will shape the final driver-market dominoes. Verstappen's growing interest in GT racing adds another storyline for 2027.