Esteban Ocon finished eighth at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a season-best result for the Haas driver, as speculation intensifies regarding his Formula 1 future. Ocon publicly stated his belief in his abilities following the Baku race. He is currently a free agent for the 2027 season.
The Frenchman’s P8 finish, coupled with teammate Ollie Bearman’s ninth place, marked Haas’s first double-points score since the Monaco Grand Prix in June. This performance ended a nine-race points drought for the team.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on Saturday, September 26, saw George Russell win for Mercedes. Ocon finished just behind Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls, who secured seventh position.
Despite the recent points finish, Ocon’s position at Haas for 2027 appears increasingly uncertain. Reports indicate that Haas has informed Ocon he will not be retained for the upcoming season.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed the team expects to finalise its 2027 driver lineup within the next two weeks. Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 season and has largely been outperformed by Bearman this year.
Ferrari junior Rafael Camara has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ocon. Camara, a Formula 2 championship contender, reportedly impressed team owner Gene Haas during a private test at Portimão.
Camara is currently second in the Formula 2 standings in his rookie season, having secured two feature race victories. He previously won the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship and the 2025 Formula 3 title.
Should Camara join, Haas would field an all-Ferrari junior lineup alongside Ollie Bearman, who is expected to remain with the team for his third season. Cadillac is also monitoring Camara’s progress for 2027.
The 2027 driver market has 16 confirmed drivers, leaving six seats open across the grid. Aston Martin and Racing Bulls also have unconfirmed positions.
Ocon, a 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner, remains confident in his capabilities. He cited his junior career successes and Formula 1 victory as evidence of his talent.
‘I’ve raced with everyone out there, and I’ve always been on par, or I’ve won every championship that I’ve raced with,’ Ocon stated. ‘I won races in Formula Renault, I won championships in go-karts, I won Formula 3, I won GP3, I was racing in the top 10 in DTM for half the season, I won in Formula 1. I can do it. I’m one of the best out there, and I’m not afraid to say it.’
Ocon has amassed three points this season prior to the Baku event, with previous points finishes recorded in Japan and Monaco.
