Aug.22 (GMM) Esteban Ocon’s future at Haas remains uncertain as the team struggles through a difficult 2026 season and several drivers are linked with his seat for next year.
Leonardo Fornaroli, Rafael Camara, Jack Doohan and even Yuki Tsunoda have all been mentioned as possible 2027 candidates, while Ocon has spent much of the year well behind Oliver Bearman on pace.
The Frenchman still believes an intermittent car problem may partly explain the gap.
“We’re still looking into why we sometimes have issues, but it’s good when we don’t have them because we can extract the maximum,” Ocon said after sprint qualifying at Zandvoort.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu admits Haas has simply been unable to match the development rate of its larger rivals since starting the season strongly.
“We started the season extremely well, much better than anyone can think of, and then from that moment I think that’s the reality. With our constraints, we’re trying to develop the car as fast as possible, but the other guys are putting performance on the car faster than us.”
Komatsu says another upgrade will arrive at Monza, although he warned against expecting a dramatic leap.
As for when Haas will decide its 2027 drivers, Komatsu refused to be drawn.
“We can’t talk about that,” he insisted.
“We’re not in any rush. We’re focused on our two drivers, Ollie and Esteban, trying to get the best out of them.”
“You know, Ollie has showed it repeatedly, Esteban, when he is happy with the car, you know what he can do.”
Komatsu also strongly rejected former team boss Gunther Steiner’s suggestion earlier this week that owner Gene Haas has lost interest in Formula 1.
“No,” the Japanese hit back. “I don’t think I’ve seen Gene at so many races.”
“Sometimes his expectation is very, very high, but it’s good. He gets frustrated because he’s so focused on the result. But no, it’s the opposite.
“I’ve never seen him at so many races.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES