Overview
- Esteban Ocon said Wednesday that he is “definitely a free agent” for 2027 and confirmed he is talking with other Formula 1 teams.
- Multiple outlets report Haas is leaning to keep Ferrari-backed Oliver Bearman and to recruit Ferrari junior Rafael Camara as the leading candidate to replace Ocon.
- RacingNews365 reported that Ocon has been told he will not be retained, though Haas has made no formal announcement and the team is understood to hold an option to extend his contract.
- Haas has used its Testing of Previous Cars programme with Toyota to privately assess drivers including Rafael Camara, Leonardo Fornaroli, Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan.
- Ocon’s possible next steps include talks with Aston Martin or a reserve role to stay in F1, but realistic race-seat opportunities for 2027 are limited while Haas finalises its decision.