Esteban Ocon out at Haas — but what are his options?

Esteban Ocon will not race for Haas in the 2027 F1 season, with the French driver due to depart the American team at the end of the campaign.

RacingNews365 understands Ocon has already been informed of the decision. It follows the one-time grand prix winner confirming he is a "free agent" on media day ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 30-year-old was coy when asked directly if continuing with Haas was still an option for him, replying: "Let's see."

Speculation that Ocon and Haas could part ways emerged earlier in the season, despite team principal Ayao Komatsu emphatically dismissing the rumours around the Canadian Grand Prix in May.

However, by June, it became apparent that the situation was moving in the previously denied direction, with RacingNews365 first reporting around the Austrian Grand Prix that it looked increasingly likely that Ocon would not be retained.

The decision has been made based on a myriad of factors, including several things out of the driver's hands, even though he has endured his fair share of bad luck and issues with his VF-26 chassis.

Ocon considers F1 unfinished business, according to sources close to the driver. But, as previously reported, Aston Martin remains a potential landing spot, even though opportunities elsewhere are limited.

If Fernando Alonso does choose to retire at the end of the year, which is still believed to be unlikely, a race seat with the Silverstone-based squad is a viable alternative. If not, he may settle for the third driver role with an option for 2028.

Ocon has said he is talking to a range of suitors, and discussions with Aston Martin are ongoing. He was spotted in the Baku paddock engaged in deep conversation with Lance Stroll, who is a good friend of his.

Who could replace Ocon at Haas?

Currently, F2 driver and F3 drivers' champion Rafael Camara is in the prime position to replace Ocon, even though, alongside Oliver Bearman, Haas would have two Ferrari juniors comprising its line-up.

The Brazilian has impressed the team significantly during Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) runs, and he has considerable sponsorship to draw upon.

The extent of his financial backing from Brazilian companies is estimated to be between 10 and 20 million. With such a wide range, the real figure is likely to be around 15 million.

In the past few days, Ferrari has changed gears and is now pushing hard for Camara to take the seat next to Bearman, and there have been serious discussions between the driver's camp and high-level individuals at the Scuderia.

However, the decision has not been finalised, and Jack Doohan remains in contention. Already with Haas as a reserve driver, the Australian is said to have also impressed during a TPC at Jerez last week.

Ryo Hirakawa and Leonardo Fornaroli, who were also on Haas' five-driver shortlist, are now both out of the running for the drive.

And even if a final decision is made by the team soon, there remains the possibility that the announcement will not be made in the short term.

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