Sep.24 (GMM) Esteban Ocon has admitted for the first time that he currently has no contract for 2027, as speculation intensifies that Haas is preparing to replace him.
“At this point, I’m definitely a free agent for next year,” Ocon said in Baku.
“There are things that are being discussed and are beyond my control. So I’ll keep fighting until the end of the year and see how things play out.”
Asked whether discussions with other teams are taking place, he replied: “Of course.”
But Ocon, 30, has not ruled out staying at Haas. “We’ll see,” said the Frenchman.
The uncertainty comes as Haas continues an unusually extensive TPC program to assess potential replacements.
Jack Doohan was the latest candidate to get an audition, driving the 2025 Haas at Jerez last week.
That followed the Portimao test involving Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli and Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, who is increasingly regarded as the leading candidate for the seat.
Ocon nevertheless insists he still has unfinished business in Formula 1.
“I’ve competed in almost 200 races, which is a lot, but I’m not satisfied with what I’ve done and what I’ve accomplished so far,” he said.
“When I see some of my colleagues I’ve raced with, they’re all winning races, starting from pole position, and that’s where I want to be too. I still have a lot to offer this sport, I’m not looking to do anything else.”
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has also rejected suggestions that the team would resist pairing two Ferrari-linked drivers if Camara joined Oliver Bearman.
“For me, it doesn’t matter at all,” said the Japanese.
“We really want two fast drivers, because that’s the best way to develop this team. It doesn’t matter whether it’s two Ferrari drivers, two Toyota drivers, or two McLaren drivers.”
“Whoever is faster is the best.”
Komatsu said commercial or manufacturer affiliations would only matter if two candidates were extremely closely matched.
“I’ve always said that you have to choose a driver based on results, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
For Ocon, the situation is now unusually exposed.
“The final decision doesn’t really depend on me, but I’m ready to stay with Haas next year,” he reiterated to French reporters.
“I’m thriving and learning within this team.”
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