JUST IN: F1 Star Under Pressure as THREE Drivers Fight for 2027 Haas Seat…read more
Esteban Ocon’s future in Formula 1 is increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting three drivers are in contention for his Haas seat in 2027.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of 2026, and there is no guarantee Haas will offer him an extension after two difficult seasons alongside teammate Oliver Bearman.
Ocon Facing Uncertain Future
The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner is currently in his 10th full season in Formula 1. Ocon has previously raced for Force India, Racing Point, Alpine, and now Haas.
Since joining Haas in 2025, however, he has struggled to consistently match Bearman. The Briton finished ahead of Ocon in the 2025 drivers’ standings despite being a rookie and remains ahead of him again in 2026.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu admitted that “nobody was satisfied” with Ocon’s 2025 campaign, increasing speculation over his future.
Ferrari-Backed Rafael Camara Linked With Haas
Haas’ close technical relationship with Ferrari could play a major role in determining Ocon’s successor.
Recent reports claim Ferrari are keen for 2025 Formula 3 champion Rafael Camara, a Ferrari academy driver, to be placed alongside Bearman for the 2027 season.
The Brazilian is regarded as one of Ferrari’s most promising young talents and is believed to be a strong candidate for the seat.
Leonardo Fornaroli Emerges as Serious Contender
According to AutoRacer.it, another leading option is 2025 Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli.
The McLaren junior impressed during his FP1 debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, where he finished as the fastest of the seven rookies participating in the session.
Fornaroli also recently completed running in older Haas machinery as part of the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, further strengthening his credentials.
His emergence creates a potential Ferrari-versus-McLaren battle for the vacant seat.
Yuki Tsunoda Also in the Frame
The fight for the Haas drive is not limited to the two young prospects.
Former Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda is also reportedly being considered. The Japanese racer lost his full-time F1 seat at the end of the 2025 season after making 22 Grand Prix appearances for Red Bull during the year.
Haas’ growing partnership with Toyota is reportedly a major factor behind the team’s interest in bringing Tsunoda back to the grid.
Will Ocon Still Be in F1 in 2027?
Ocon’s career has already survived one major setback after Alpine dropped him before the conclusion of the 2024 season.
His move to Haas offered a fresh start, but results have not significantly improved, leaving his long-term future uncertain.
With Camara, Fornaroli, and Tsunoda all linked to the seat, Ocon will likely need a strong second half of the 2026 season to convince Haas he deserves an 11th year in Formula 1.
As things stand, the battle for the 2027 Haas seat is wide open.