Haas reveal timeline for announcing Esteban Ocon replacement

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that a decision on who could replace Esteban Ocon for the 2027 F1 season can be expected within days.

Ocon is seemingly set to leave Haas at the end of this season. The French driver himself confirmed he is now a free agent for next year.

Asked about the timeline for naming Ocon's potential successor, speaking to Sky Sports F1, Komatsu said the team is close to finalising its choice.

"I'd like to think we can make a decision soon, let's say, by the end of this month," he said. "Very close."

Asked what qualities Haas is looking for in a new driver, the team boss outlined a clear checklist.

"First and foremost, you need the speed, but also the quality of the feedback is very important," he said. "Also, you need to be a very good team player.

"That's especially for a team like us because we need quite a lot from our two drivers to help us in the development direction.

"So it's about being a team player, application and work ethic. They are very, very important."

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The candidates in the frame

Ferrari junior Rafael Camara has emerged as the leading contender to partner Ollie Bearman next season, with the Brazilian's F2 title challenge and the team's technical ties to Maranello both counting in his favour.

Haas has also run evaluations through its Testing of Previous Cars programme, run in partnership with Toyota, giving track time to last year's F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, current Haas reserve Jack Doohan and Toyota-backed driver Ryo Hirakawa as alternative options.

As for Ocon and his future, whether he lands another seat on the grid or steps into a reserve role for 2027 remains an open question.