The Frenchman admits that conversations with Haas remain open while he explores other options, at 30 years old and with a single victory in his record, he assures that he is not satisfied and that his objective is to continue competing in the top category.
Esteban Ocon has broken his silence about his future in Formula 1. The French driver whose contract with Haas ends at the conclusion of the current season, has declared himself "definitely a free agent" for 2027, hinting that his continuity at the American team is not guaranteed and that he could be exploring other alternatives to stay on the grid.
"Currently I'm definitely a free agent for next year, all these discussions and there are some issues in the background that are out of my control at the moment. I'm focused on the track, trying to give the best of myself and getting the result that this team deserves" Ocon declared during the media day of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
The rumors about Ocon's possible departure from Haas have been a constant throughout 2026, the Frenchman who arrived at the team in 2025 with the mission of leading its project, has not achieved the expected results. He has barely three points this season, achieved in Japan and Monaco, the latter the last weekend in which a Haas has finished inside the top 10 (A poor harvest that contrasts with the 18 points of his teammate, Ollie Bearman).
At 30 years old and after a decade in Formula 1, Ocon has clear that he does not want to settle: "I don't want to settle, everything we are seeing is in F1. I'm 30 years old, I've raced 10 years in F1 but I have much more to give to this sport, having won a race and having climbed onto the podium a couple of times does not satisfy me. I have competed in almost 200 races, which is a lot, but I'm not happy with what I have done and what I have achieved so far" he stated with determination.
The Frenchman, whose only victory dates from the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with Alpine, does not hide his ambition: "When I see some of my colleagues with whom I have competed, they are all winning races, being on pole and that is where I want to be too. I have much more to give to this sport, I'm not looking at anything else" he insisted.
While Ocon waits for news about his future, his teammate Ollie Bearman seems to have a clearer panorama. The Briton, who has scored 18 points this season, trusts in staying at Haas in 2027: "The final decision is not really in my hands but I'm prepared to stay at Haas next year. I think that's what will end up happening and to be honest, I think it's a good success because it would be the third year we are together" Bearman declared.
The Briton, who joined Haas at the end of 2023, values the trajectory he has built alongside the team: "Almost the fourth because we started almost at the end of 2023. Some time has passed since I have been developing, growing and learning with this team, I really love the trajectory we are on. We have had a difficult stretch recently but we have demonstrated many times and we will continue demonstrating that we will fight and perform above our possibilities" he added.
The situation of Ocon and Bearman reflects the uncertainty surrounding Haas ahead of 2027. The American team has not yet confirmed its lineup and the possible arrival of Rafael Cámara, a driver linked to Ferrari, adds pressure to the continuity of both drivers.
Ocon for his part continues working in the shadows to secure a seat on the grid, his experience and his determination are his best endorsements in an increasingly competitive driver market.
