Formula 1 veteran Esteban Ocon emphasises: “I don’t deserve this”

A chapter in Esteban Ocon’s career is coming to an end this year; as his Haas team confirmed on the last day of last month, the Frenchman and the US racing team are parting ways, with the team having already confirmed the signing of Formula 2 leader Rafael Camara. The 21-year-old Brazilian had impressed during a test at Portimão, earning himself the seat.

Ocon had already emphasised in Singapore that he had no intention of leaving Formula 1. And in Austin, the driver with 197 Grand Prix starts added: “I deserve to be in Formula 1. There are many reasons why I won’t be with this team next year, but they have nothing to do with my performance.”

Was he alluding to the fact that Camara comes from the junior programme of Haas’s engine partner Ferrari and, thanks to the support of Carlos Slim Domits’ ‘Escuderia Telmex’, brings a substantial financial contribution with him? “I can’t comment on that. But what I do know is that Rafa deserves a chance in Formula 1. He’s shown just how good he is in the junior series.”

“At the same time, however, I don’t deserve to be kicked out of Formula 1 either,” added the 30-year-old. He pointed to his achievements: “I’ve won everything, in every category I’ve competed in – karting, Formula Renault, Formula 3, GP3 and Formula 1. And that’s why I believe this won’t be my last year in Formula 1,” added Ocon.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Read More

TV Program

Today

Austin: 3. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

24.10.2026 - 19:25