Oliver Bearman opens up on 'really missing' Esteban Ocon at Haas

Oliver Bearman has conceded to "really missing" Esteban Ocon at Haas, after the Frenchman was dropped by the team for the remainder of the 2026 season following an internal dispute in Mexico City.

Haas confirmed earlier this week that Ocon would not drive for the team again this year after a Friday evening fallout in Mexico. The American outfit has declined to elaborate on what happened behind closed doors.

Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa stepped into the cockpit at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, whilst Rafael Camara, who replaces Ocon for next season, will make his debut for Haas this weekend on home soil in São Paulo. Hirakawa is unavailable due to a clash with his World Endurance Championship commitments with Toyota at Monza.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365, Bearman said the situation had left a mark on the garage.

"It's strange not having Esteban here, and it's obviously a challenging situation for everybody," said Bearman. "And I really, really feel for him. I really do feel for him.

"Of course, the situation is complicated, things have changed, and I just hope that it doesn't cause disruption. At least last week, I wouldn't say that it caused any disruption at all.

"If anything, the positive now is that we have Rafa in the car for these events, and that is also preparing us as a team for next year."

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With Camara set to be Bearman's full-time partner from 2027 regardless, the Briton suggested the early switch had its upside.

"I'm excited to have a teammate who is going to push me really hard, and of course, I've had that across the years," said Bearman.

"Esteban pushed me hard, but Rafa is also going to be a very strong competitor, and for us as competitive people, as racing drivers, you want someone who pushes you to the next level, and that's the best way to get the most out of the team, for sure."

Bearman and Camara go back further than their current paddock status suggests, both having come through the Ferrari Driver Academy together.

"We joined the Academy at the same time," said Bearman. "When I first came to Italy for my first kind of scouting camp, Rafa was there as well. I remember he was very shy, and didn't speak much English. He's still pretty shy, but he speaks a lot more English now, which is good.

"But I've always had a good relationship with him. He's a funny guy and a very nice guy as well.

"To be honest, we never raced in the same category because I was always one step ahead just because of how things worked out.

"But we spent a lot of time together, a lot of training camps, a lot of fitness tests, a lot of horrible things that we don't look back on with much happiness. But we know each other well and have a good relationship."