Ocon confirmed to leave Haas at end of 2026 after two underwhelming seasons

Esteban Ocon will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the American team confirmed, bringing a two-year stint to a close after the Frenchman was consistently outperformed by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman.

Ocon, 30, moved to Haas from Alpine ahead of 2025 but struggled throughout his time with the squad, citing the car’s inconsistency as the primary obstacle. Across 2026, he holds a 13-6 deficit to Bearman in qualifying and sits 16th in the drivers’ standings — three places behind his younger British colleague — with Haas seventh in the constructors’ championship after 15 of 23 rounds. Bearman has accumulated 61 points to Ocon’s 45 over the two seasons together.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu paid tribute to Ocon’s contribution while making clear the focus remains on the races still to come. “I’d like to thank Esteban for everything he’s contributed to the team since joining us in 2025,” Komatsu said. “His professionalism and commitment have proved valuable as we continue to grow as an organisation. Together this year we tackled the challenge of a major regulation change, where Esteban’s driving experience and inputs were significant as we’ve worked hard to develop the VF-26 across the season.”

Ocon, who scored points in Baku most recently, addressed the news on social media and was defiant about his future in the sport. “My time with Haas F1 Team will come to an end at the end of the 2026 season,” he wrote. “I leave this project with my head held high and proud of my performances in what were not always the easiest of circumstances for various reasons and factors outside of my control. I am still motivated. I am still hungry. This is absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career.”

Ocon is set to finish the season with approximately 203 grand prix starts to his name. His sole victory came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, with all four of his career podiums recorded during his time at Alpine.

Haas has yet to name a replacement. Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and current F2 standings leader Rafael Camara are understood to be the leading candidates for the 2027 seat.