Haas issue statement after Esteban Ocon exit confirmed

Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the current F1 season, ending his two-year stint with the American outfit.

The confirmation came shortly after Ocon himself broke the news on social media. Haas followed with its own statement, saying that the team and the Frenchman "will part ways at the conclusion of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship."

Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 campaign after four seasons at Alpine, and he helped the team record its second-best points total in ten years as a constructor.

He has made 39 race starts for Haas from 195 career outings, with 490 points to his name and a maiden win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Haas has yet to confirm its full 2027 line-up, but Oliver Bearman is expected to remain, having consistently been the team's stronger performer across the two seasons alongside Ocon.

Who partners the Briton next year is still to be decided, with Formula 2 front-runner Rafael Camara the leading candidate to fill the vacant seat.

Driver

Esteban Ocon

Komatsu pays tribute

Team principal Ayao Komatsu used the statement to thank Ocon for his role in Haas's development through a major regulation reset this year.

"I'd like to thank Esteban for everything he's contributed to the team since joining us in 2025," Komatsu said. "His professionalism and commitment have proved valuable as we continue to grow as an organisation.

"Together this year we tackled the challenge of a major regulation change, where Esteban's driving experience and inputs were significant as we've worked hard to develop the VF-26 across the season.

"There's still plenty of racing ahead, and our focus remains on working together to maximise every opportunity through to the final race of the year."

Ocon's future beyond 2026 remains unclear. He is a free agent for next season, with few race seats left on the grid and reserve or endurance racing roles floated as possible alternatives should a cockpit fail to materialise.

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