Sports · Motorsport · 1 day ago
Haas says there is no ill feeling as Ocon prepares to leave
Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will leave the team after this season.
He does not yet have a confirmed seat for 2027.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu said there is no bad feeling between Ocon and Haas.
He praised Ocon’s speed and teamwork, but said the team wants a driver who performs more consistently and gives strong feedback.
Haas confirmed ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix that it would not retain Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
Ocon has raced for Haas for two seasons alongside Ollie Bearman, who joined him in 2025.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said there was no ill feeling between the team and Ocon over the decision.
Komatsu praised Ocon’s speed and contribution but said Haas wanted more consistency and feedback from its future driver lineup.
Haas has been linked with possible replacements Rafa Camara and Leonardo Fornaroli, though the article says neither has been confirmed as Ocon’s replacement.
- Who
- Haas, Esteban Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu
- What
- Haas will not retain Ocon for the 2027 season and is seeking a driver with speed, consistency and strong feedback.
- When
- The decision was confirmed ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix; Komatsu discussed it after Free Practice in Singapore.
- Where
- Haas; Komatsu’s comments were made after Free Practice in Singapore.
- Why
- Haas wants greater consistency and feedback, and Komatsu said the team’s current setup does not always bring out Ocon’s strengths.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We’re both professionals, and then what’s good for the team is what’s good for Esteban,
Esteban is very, very quick on his day. When the car is perfect, when he’s happy with the car, he’s very, very quick.
what we’re looking for going forward is that we just want that speed plus more consistency and also the feedback as well.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Driver leaving
- Esteban Ocon
- Team
- Haas
- Season Ocon will leave
- 2027
- Ocon's teammate
- Ollie Bearman, alongside Ocon since 2025
- Potential replacements mentioned
- Rafa Camara and Leonardo Fornaroli
Sources
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