Esteban Ocon confirmed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, that he will leave Haas at the end of the current Formula 1 season, bringing his two-year spell with the American team to a close. The announcement came via a social media statement just ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend being held in Malaysia, and it ends weeks of speculation about the Frenchman’s future on the grid.
A Tenure Marked by Difficult Circumstances
Ocon joined Haas from Alpine ahead of the 2025 season, pairing with Ferrari-backed rookie Ollie Bearman. Across 39 Grands Prix with the team, he has recorded 12 points finishes, with his best result being fifth place in China last year during his second race for the squad.
In his statement, Ocon said he leaves the project ‘with my head held high and proud of my performances in what were not always the easiest of circumstances for various reasons and factors outside of my control.’ He added that his immediate focus remains on the remaining races of the season, pledging to ‘maximise every opportunity’ before his departure takes effect.
Haas Responds With Gratitude, Limited Detail
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu issued a statement following Ocon’s announcement, thanking the driver for his contributions since 2025. Komatsu specifically credited Ocon’s experience and feedback as valuable during the development of the VF-26 amid a major regulation change this season.
Haas also confirmed it will not be sharing further driver-related news at this time, leaving open questions about who will replace Ocon for 2027. Among the names reportedly under consideration are Ferrari junior and FIA Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara, who is considered the favourite for the seat, along with McLaren reserve driver Leo Fornaroli and Haas reserves Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa.
Ocon Insists His F1 Career Is Not Over
Despite the exit, Ocon was firm that this is not the end of his time in the sport. ‘I am still motivated. I am still hungry. This is absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career,’ he wrote, signalling his intention to continue racing elsewhere on the grid once his Haas contract concludes.
That determination echoes a career that has included some of the most memorable results of his time on the grid. During his years at Alpine, Ocon became the only driver to date to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix twice, taking victory in both 2021 and 2022, and he also claimed pole position and the win there again in 2023. For fans in the Kingdom who followed those performances closely, interest in the sport has carried over into other areas of fan engagement, and those looking to compare options can check the Saudi betting sites reviewed by Arabswin tied to Formula 1 and other motorsport events.
Implications for the 2027 Driver Market
Ocon’s departure adds another seat to an already active driver market heading into 2027, with teams across the grid weighing changes to their lineups. The FIA, which governs the sport’s technical and sporting regulations, will oversee the eligibility and entry process for any new driver announcements as teams finalise their rosters for next season. More information on the governing body’s role in regulating the championship is available via the FIA’s official website.
With several races still remaining in the 2026 campaign, attention will now turn to how Haas manages the remainder of the season alongside the search for Ocon’s successor. For Ocon himself, the focus remains on finishing his time with the team on a high note while he explores what comes next in a Formula 1 career he insists is far from over.
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