Esteban Ocon shares 'heartfelt' statement as F1 career hangs in balance

Esteban Ocon has issued a "heartfelt thank you" to fans who contacted him following his abrupt sacking by Haas, with the Frenchman's F1 future increasingly uncertain.

The 30-year-old was already scheduled to leave the American team at the end of the 2026 season but was dropped early following a dispute with team principal Ayao Komatsu.

In a statement shared on social media, Ocon wrote: "I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all your messages. Your support means a great deal to me.

"To the fans, colleagues and former colleagues who have taken the time to reach out as well, I’m truly grateful."

He added: "My love for this sport remains as strong as ever, and I’m grateful to share that passion with so many of you."

Relations had become strained amid Ocon's struggles to match team-mate Oliver Bearman, with Komatsu previously admitting Haas had expected more from the experienced driver.

Tensions escalated at the Mexico City Grand Prix after Ocon argued with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre selection during practice.

The Frenchman subsequently acknowledged a "difference in viewpoints" with team personnel but strongly denied reports that any confrontation had become physical.

Haas replaced him with Ryo Hirakawa for the Mexican race before confirming he would not return this season. Komatsu insisted the decision was in the team's "best interest", declining to discuss private conversations.

Ferrari academy driver Rafael Câmara, already signed for 2027, subsequently made his F1 debut alongside Bearman in São Paulo.

Ocon made his F1 debut with Manor in 2016 and later raced for Force India, Renault and Alpine, claiming his maiden victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.

However, with no seat confirmed for 2027, his future in the sport remains in serious doubt.