David Croft believes Ferrari could offer Esteban Ocon an opportunity to remain in Formula 1 in 2027, suggesting the Frenchman would be an excellent choice for the team’s third driver position. The Sky Sports commentator highlighted Ocon’s existing relationship with Lewis Hamilton and his connections to the Maranello outfit following his controversial departure from Haas.
The suggestion comes at a difficult moment in Ocon’s career, with his unexpected removal from the Haas race seat leaving his future in the championship increasingly uncertain. Although he was already due to leave the American team at the end of 2026, the events of the Mexico City Grand Prix have brought that separation forward and raised questions about whether he will secure another opportunity on the Formula 1 grid.
David Croft proposes Ferrari role for Esteban Ocon in 2027
Speaking on The F1 Show, David Croft explained that he had considered Esteban Ocon a particularly strong candidate for Ferrari’s third driver position even before the controversy surrounding his final weekend with Haas.
The commentator argued that Ocon’s established relationship with Lewis Hamilton would make him a suitable addition to the Italian team. He also pointed to the French driver’s existing connections within Ferrari’s wider Formula 1 network as another reason why such an arrangement could make sense.
However, Croft acknowledged that the situation had become more complicated following the developments in Mexico. He suggested that Ferrari might already have enough internal matters to address without immediately adding Ocon to the organisation. Nevertheless, he jokingly indicated that team principal Fred Vasseur could consider the move if he wanted another challenge.
There are several existing connections that could make Ferrari an interesting destination for the 30-year-old driver. Haas receives its Formula 1 power units from the Scuderia, meaning Ocon has already operated within a team that maintains a close technical relationship with Maranello.
His history with Lewis Hamilton is another factor. Ocon served as Mercedes’ reserve driver during the 2019 season, when the seven-time world champion was competing for the German manufacturer. Croft believes their positive relationship could prove valuable if Ferrari were to consider him for a supporting role.
Crucially, the proposal concerns a third driver position rather than a full-time race seat. Such a move would potentially allow Ocon to remain involved in Formula 1 despite the considerable uncertainty surrounding his immediate racing prospects.
Esteban Ocon’s Haas departure follows Mexico GP dispute
Ocon’s Formula 1 future became considerably more complicated during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, when tensions emerged between the Frenchman and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.
The disagreement followed a car setup adjustment introduced during the second free practice session. The situation reportedly escalated into an alleged physical confrontation between Ocon and the team principal, leading to the driver’s unexpected removal from the cockpit for the remainder of the weekend.
Haas subsequently turned to reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, who had already participated in the opening practice session. The Toyota World Endurance Championship driver was given the opportunity to make his Formula 1 race debut and delivered a points finish, crossing the line in tenth place.
The consequences for Ocon extended beyond the Mexican Grand Prix. Haas has since confirmed that he will not return to a race seat for the remainder of the 2026 championship, effectively ending his time with the American outfit earlier than originally planned.
The team had already been preparing for a different driver combination in 2027, with Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara selected to replace Ocon alongside Oliver Bearman, although contract discussions involving the Brazilian had reportedly encountered delays.
Those plans have now accelerated. Câmara is set to make his Formula 1 race debut at his home Grand Prix in São Paulo, an important development for the Ferrari Driver Academy youngster replacing Ocon at Haas.
Uncertainty nevertheless remains over the team’s driver arrangements for the remaining races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. With Ocon already excluded from further appearances, his departure has left him searching for a way to continue his Formula 1 career beyond 2026.
Could Ferrari provide Esteban Ocon with an F1 lifeline?
Before his Haas exit, Esteban Ocon had also been considered among the candidates for a Cadillac race seat in 2027. However, that possibility has diminished, with the American manufacturer moving away from the Frenchman while evaluating Colton Herta as a potential replacement for Valtteri Bottas.
Ocon has also been associated with Aston Martin, where his strong relationship with the Stroll family could potentially work in his favour. For now, however, neither possibility has developed into a confirmed opportunity.
That leaves a reserve or third driver position as one of the more realistic routes for the Frenchman to maintain a presence in the championship. Ferrari would represent an intriguing possibility given its existing relationship with Haas, Ocon’s Mercedes background and his connections with Hamilton.
The suggestion also comes at a time when Fred Vasseur has been dealing with tensions involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following their own controversial moments at the Mexican Grand Prix. Croft’s remarks acknowledged that the Ferrari team principal already has significant responsibilities to manage.
For Ocon, the immediate challenge is finding a team willing to offer him another position after the reputational damage associated with his Haas departure. His chances of securing a full-time race seat appear increasingly limited, but Croft believes his experience and established relationships could still make him an attractive option for Ferrari.
Whether Fred Vasseur would seriously consider bringing him to Maranello remains uncertain. What is clear is that Ocon’s unexpectedly early separation from Haas has transformed his career prospects, and a supporting role at an established Formula 1 team could offer him a route to remain involved in the sport.
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