Esteban Ocon has confirmed his departure from Haas at the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The French driver stated on Wednesday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he is a ‘free agent’ for the 2027 season. This announcement follows reports that Haas has decided against retaining Ocon, who joined the team at the start of the 2025 season from Alpine.
Ferrari junior Rafael Camara is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Ocon for the 2027 campaign, potentially partnering Oliver Bearman. Camara, a 21-year-old Brazilian, is currently second in the Formula 2 standings during his rookie season. He previously won the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship and the 2025 Formula 3 championship.
Sources indicate that Haas’s decision to part ways with Ocon was influenced by commercial considerations and Ferrari’s backing of Camara. Camara recently participated in a private test for Haas at Portimao in late August, alongside other drivers under evaluation. Team owner Gene Haas was reportedly impressed by Camara’s performance during this test.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has stated that the team’s priority is securing the fastest possible driver pairing, regardless of their affiliation with other manufacturers. Oliver Bearman is expected to remain with Haas for 2027, continuing his association with the Ferrari Driver Academy.
In other driver market news, Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 season, partnering Max Verstappen. Hadjar, 21, was promoted to Red Bull for the 2026 season after an impressive rookie campaign with Racing Bulls in 2025, which included a podium finish at Zandvoort.
The Frenchman has scored 71 points this season and sits eighth in the drivers’ standings, despite missing the last three races due to a wrist injury sustained during the summer break. Hadjar is set to return to action this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The FIA has confirmed that George Russell’s Mercedes W17 was found to be in compliance with the F1 2026 technical regulations. This followed an extensive physical inspection after the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this month. Russell finished fifth in Madrid, where his car was randomly selected for a closer examination as part of the FIA’s routine post-race checks.
The inspection focused on the front suspension assembly, including corner dampers, suspension fairings, geometry, uprights, and wheel hubs. Identification of sensors, their connections to the FIA standard ECU, data logging, and homologation status were also checked. All inspected items met the 2026 Formula One Technical Regulations.
Max Verstappen has indicated potential participation in endurance races during the 2027 season. The provisional 2027 Formula 1 calendar avoids clashes with the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Spa. Verstappen made his Nürburgring 24 Hours debut in May of this year.
However, Verstappen has ruled out an immediate appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, citing the extensive preparation required. The 2027 F1 calendar, released last week, features 24 Grands Prix and 10 Sprint races. The Monaco Grand Prix will move to June 4-6, avoiding a clash with Le Mans.
