Esteban Ocon‘s departure from Haas was confirmed ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the team announcing they wouldn’t retain the Frenchman for 2027.
Without a seat confirmed for Ocon, he could find himself off the grid for the 2027 F1 season. He’s spent two seasons with the American team, racing alongside Ollie Bearman since 2025.
No ‘ill feeling’ in Ocon’s departure
Haas haven’t hidden their interest in other drivers, with rumours swirling around up-and-coming talents like Rafa Camara and Leonardo Fornaroli. However, Haas Team Principal Aya Komatsu told the media there is no ‘ill feeling’ from Ocon or the team.
“We’re both professionals, and then what’s good for the team is what’s good for Esteban,” Komatsu told Sky Sports after Free Practice in Singapore.
“Esteban needs to show everyone in the world how quick he is every time he goes out there, how much of a team player he is. I think you saw it in one of the Grands Prix, actually in Baku, when we needed to get Esteban to back off a little bit so that Ollie could get the overtake mode on Esteban.”
“Again, we told him on the radio, then down the straightaway, he goes to show that he’s still a team player; he’s still completely professional in pushing through to the end.”
Komatsu praised Ocon’s ability to keep working toward a team effort rather than trying to present himself individually. He went on to explain that the team is transparent with Ocon, and both sides are working for the team’s best.
“That’s what we want, that’s what we need, and we are completely transparent. So, there’s no ill feeling in that sense; we’re trying to do our best on both sides.”
The team boss was open about changing the 2027 Haas lineup, with consistency at the forefront of their needs going forward. He also noted that they’re looking for a driver who can work with less-than-perfect machinery.
Looking for consistency
Komatsu said: “When we choose a driver, it’s about our overall performance, overall package, and then everything comes into it.
“Of course, you know, natural talent, that’s something we cannot teach, you know. Either as a driver, you are quick or not quick.
“You know, Esteban is very, very quick on his day. When the car is perfect, when he’s happy with the car, he’s very, very quick. But then, what we’re looking for going forward is that we just want that speed plus more consistency and also the feedback as well.
“I mean, Esteban is very good. I don’t want to take anything away from him, what he’s done. He contributed a lot to the team, and he’s the, you know, first race winner we signed. And then, you know, as a team, we’re still on the journey. So we still have a lot of imperfections.
“Maybe in a better environment, a perfect environment, Esteban can completely flourish his talent, but with the team setup as we are, with some inconsistency issues, etc., it’s really, you know, not bringing out Esteban’s strength sometimes. So, we needed to make some changes.”
Despite wanting a more consistent driver, the fact that drivers like Camara and Fornaroli are noted as potential replacements is questionable. Both drivers have been very successful in their rookie careers, with Camara leading the F2 championship into the final rounds and Fornaroli taking the title last year.
However, if either made the jump to Formula 1, it would be their rookie season, which naturally would come with inconsistencies. It would also bring longevity and a level of potential that Haas may see waning in Esteban Ocon.
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