Esteban Ocon to leave Haas after 2026 as F1 future remains unresolved

Esteban Ocon will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, ending a two-year spell with the team. BBC Sport reported the announcement on Wednesday, with the French driver insisting he intends to continue in the championship despite uncertainty over where he could race in 2027.

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The 30-year-old joined Haas from Alpine for 2025. In a social-media statement quoted by the BBC, Ocon said he remained proud of his performances and would keep working with the team through the remaining races. He acknowledged difficulties he considered beyond his control but made clear that the departure did not mean he was retiring from Formula 1.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu thanked Ocon for his contribution, according to Autosport. Komatsu highlighted the driver's experience and technical feedback during development of the VF-26 through this year's major regulation changes. He said the team and driver would continue pursuing results together until the season finale. Autosport reported that neither Ocon's next move nor his replacement had been announced.

The decision follows Ocon's strongest race finish of the season in Azerbaijan. Formula 1's official website reported that he finished eighth in Baku, his third top-10 result of 2026 and his first points since Monaco. Team-mate Oliver Bearman finished ninth, giving Haas points from both cars. Ocon lost seventh place to Arvid Lindblad at the finish by just 0.03 seconds.

That result came after Ocon had described himself as a free agent for 2027 during the Baku media day on September 23, according to Formula 1. Asked then about options outside the championship, he said his search remained focused on F1. He also said his achievements so far had not satisfied his ambitions and that he wanted further opportunities to compete for victories and pole positions.

Ocon's record includes victory for Alpine at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and three other podium finishes. Formula 1's reporting before Azerbaijan recorded his determination to add to that record after a decade in the sport. Wednesday's announcement settles the question of his Haas future, but leaves his stated aim of continuing in F1 dependent on securing another opportunity.