Haas has officially confirmed that Esteban Ocon will leave the Formula 1 team at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a partnership that began two years ago. The announcement confirms what had been expected for several weeks and formally opens the race to replace the French driver for 2027, with Rafael Camara and Ryo Hirakawa appearing to be two of the main candidates.
Esteban Ocon had already described himself as a “free agent”, meaning he had no contract in place for next season, but the long-awaited official confirmation arrived on Wednesday morning.
Haas confirms Esteban Ocon will leave after 2026
Haas issued a statement confirming that Esteban Ocon will no longer race for its Formula 1 team once the current season concludes.
The French driver will therefore leave after two seasons with the American squad. Esteban Ocon has made 39 starts for Haas so far and contributed to the second-best season in the team’s Formula 1 history in terms of Constructors’ Championship points.
The Haas statement read: “TGR Haas F1 Team and Esteban Ocon will part ways at the conclusion of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.”
“Ocon (30) joined TGR Haas F1 Team for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, contributing to the second-highest points haul in the team’s history, having competed for 10 seasons in Formula 1 as a constructor.”
“Ocon currently has 39 race starts with TGR Haas F1 Team, from 195 overall in his career. The French driver has scored 490 points in Formula 1, a total that also includes his prestigious victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.”
Esteban Ocon’s position during the remainder of the campaign can also be followed through the current Formula 1 driver standings.
Ayao Komatsu thanks Esteban Ocon for his Haas contribution
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu thanked Esteban Ocon for the contribution he has made since joining the team at the beginning of 2025, highlighting both his professionalism and his role in developing the VF-26 under Formula 1’s major new technical regulations.
“I’d like to thank Esteban for everything he has given to the team since he arrived in 2025,” Ayao Komatsu said. “His professionalism and commitment have proved valuable as we continue to grow as an organisation.”
“Together, this year we have faced the challenge represented by a major regulatory change, with Esteban’s driving experience and feedback playing a significant role in the development work on the VF-26 throughout the season.”
“There are still many races to go and our focus remains on working together to make the most of every opportunity until the final race of the year.”
Who could replace Esteban Ocon at Haas in 2027?
Confirmation of Esteban Ocon’s departure creates one of the important remaining openings on the 2027 Formula 1 grid. Attention now turns to who will take the seat vacated by the Frenchman once the current campaign ends.
The contest is understood to involve three drivers, although two currently appear to be the principal candidates. One is Rafael Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, while the other is Ryo Hirakawa, who is backed by Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Haas has not yet announced Esteban Ocon’s replacement, meaning the identity of its 2027 driver remains unresolved even though the Frenchman’s departure is now official.
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