McLaren and Ferrari battle to shape Haas’ 2027 driver decision

Haas at the centre of a 2027 driver tug-of-war

Haas’ 2027 driver decision is developing into more than a straightforward replacement search, with McLaren and Ferrari now appearing to hold competing interests over who should take a seat at the team if Esteban Ocon’s future does not continue beyond the current uncertainty.

Ocon’s position at Haas has come under scrutiny, prompting growing discussion around who Ayao Komatsu could turn to next. In recent days, Rafael Camara has been linked with the team, with the Brazilian F2 standout attracting attention through his recent performances. But the situation has become more layered, because McLaren are also understood to have a clear interest in the outcome.

According to Autosport Web, McLaren want Haas to promote their reserve driver, Leonardo Fornaroli, into a race seat next season. That push has already taken a practical step: Fornaroli recently took part in Haas’ Test of Previous Cars programme, giving him valuable mileage in Formula 1 machinery. For more on that preparation, read our report on Leonardo Fornaroli’s Haas F1 test at Jerez.

Ferrari’s Camara push complicates McLaren’s plan

McLaren’s route is far from clear. Ferrari are reportedly pressing Haas to choose Rafael Camara, their academy driver, as the potential replacement for Ocon. On paper, the logic is obvious: Haas already run Oliver Bearman, another Ferrari academy product, in one of their seats, and the existing Ferrari-Haas relationship gives Maranello a natural channel of influence.

That does not mean McLaren are out of the contest. The same report suggests McLaren would need to present Haas with a financially attractive proposal if they are to convince the team to place Fornaroli in the car. In that sense, the debate is not only about driver potential; it is also about what Haas can extract from two major teams eager to accelerate the development of their young talent.

Komatsu can turn pressure into leverage

For Haas, this is a rare position of strength. Both McLaren and Ferrari want access to a race seat for drivers they believe are ready for the next step. Komatsu’s task is to avoid being pulled into another team’s agenda without receiving meaningful value in return.

Yuki Tsunoda is no longer described as an option for Haas, narrowing the focus toward younger candidates. But the upside remains significant: Haas can land a promising driver while strengthening ties with an established Formula 1 force.

Ferrari may hold the advantage through an already established relationship, yet McLaren could still alter the balance if their offer is strong enough. For Haas, the smartest play is clear: turn rival interest into leverage, and make the 2027 seat work for the team as much as for the driver who gets it.

Haas at the centre of a 2027 driver tug-of-war