The announcement was made in the build-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. Ocon, who is currently in his ninth full season of Formula 1, stated that while he is proud of his performance, the situation is “frustrating” and “not really the way it should be.” He emphasized that he has put in the hard work and believes the early resolution of internal issues has been beneficial for all parties involved, though he maintained that he does not feel he deserves to be excluded from the grid for the future.
“My time with Haas F1 Team will come to an end at the end of the 2026 season,” Ocon wrote on social media. “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.” He added that he is focused on looking ahead to future opportunities in Formula 1 rather than dwelling on the past.
Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 season, partnering with Ferrari-backed rookie Oliver Bearman. Over the course of 39 Grands Prix with the team, Ocon secured 12 points finishes, with his best result being a fifth-place finish in China last year. Despite these achievements, the team has indicated that there will be no imminent announcement regarding his replacement, although reports suggest that Brazilian Ferrari junior Rafael Camara is being considered to partner Bearman next season.
The departure leaves Ocon’s 2027 status in doubt, as the number of unconfirmed seats in Formula 1 is limited. Currently, only four seats have not yet been finalized for the next season. Two of these are at Mercedes, where George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are heavily expected to be retained. Racing Bulls has also not declared its 2027 line-up, though its options are constrained to its current drivers and Red Bull junior talent. Given this landscape, Ocon may need to accept a third driver role to maintain his presence in the sport next year.
Haas has not officially confirmed Camara as the successor, distinguishing between reported negotiations and official decisions. The team has stated that it is evaluating a handful of contenders for the 2027 seat. Ocon’s exit highlights the competitive nature of the midfield and the financial pressures teams face, particularly those operating below the maximum cost cap. While Ocon has demonstrated flashes of significant speed and racing prowess, the consistency required to justify his position against emerging junior talent has been a point of contention.
The announcement comes as Formula 1 resumes its race calendar in Malaysia. Ocon will continue to race for Haas for the remainder of the 2026 season, providing the team with experienced leadership in the final stretch of the campaign. His future will depend on whether any of the remaining unfilled seats become available or if he can secure a reserve or test driver position with another team.
For Haas, the transition offers an opportunity to align its driver lineup more closely with its technical partners and financial backers. For Ocon, the next few months will be critical in determining whether he can secure a competitive seat for 2027 or if he will step back from full-time racing to await further opportunities in the sport.
