Esteban Ocon says of his departure from Haas: “My performance wasn’t the reason”

What had already been hinted at was made official ahead of the race in Malaysia: Esteban Ocon must leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season. His successor has not yet been confirmed, but the clear favourite for the second Haas seat alongside Oliver Bearman is the Brazilian Rafael Camara, who currently races in Formula 2. It is not yet clear what lies ahead for Ocon. However, the Frenchman has a clear view on his departure.

In the run-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is taking place in Malaysia this year, Ocon said of his situation without a contract for 2027: “It’s frustrating because it really shouldn’t be like this. But I’m not going to go into detail about what happened. I’m looking ahead and focusing on the future. That’s the most important thing. I deserve to be here. I’ve worked hard for it. It was a huge advantage that we identified all these issues with the car very early on, ever since I joined the team. That was very good for everyone. I don’t think I deserve to face that kind of future.”

During his media session in Sepang, Ocon repeatedly emphasised the key role he had played in the development of this year’s Haas car and just how much he had achieved. He doesn’t sound defiant or offended, but very composed, perhaps a little downcast.

“I know the reasons, but I won’t name them”

When asked what the reason was for his contract with Haas not being renewed, he said: “I won’t comment on that any further because I want to look ahead, not back. So I won’t say anything about the reasons. I know the reasons, but I won’t name them. But the reason wasn’t my performance.” According to paddock rumours, Camara is said to be bringing a better financial package to the team.

Ocon hasn’t given up hope of a seat for 2027

So where does Ocon go from here? The Frenchman made it clear: he definitely wants to stay in Formula 1. Theoretically, not all seats for 2027 have been filled yet, but realistically speaking, it’s unlikely a window of opportunity will open up for Ocon. He remains confident, however: “Nothing has been confirmed at this stage. I’m not going to say that I’m going here or there. I’ll carry on working with the team and aim to perform well. And I’ll weigh up my options later in the year. Anything can happen in Formula 1. I want to be on the starting grid next year.”

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He also emphasised: “My focus is on Formula 1. This is where I belong and this is where I want to be. So I’m not looking anywhere else.” A move to the World Endurance Championship or anything similar is therefore not on the cards. If no F1 seat for 2027 becomes available at short notice, it will likely boil down to a role as a third driver. Ocon is already familiar with this from 2019 – but he doesn’t want to think about such a scenario just yet: “Don’t write me off just yet”…