Ocon rules out racing outside F1 after Haas departure

Esteban Ocon says he will remain in Formula 1 next season even if he cannot secure a race seat, ruling out a move to another racing category after his departure from Haas.

Asked about his plans for next season, Ocon said F1 was where he believed he belonged, based on his results and what he had demonstrated in the championship. He acknowledged that other categories offer appealing opportunities, but said his ambition was to continue racing in Formula 1 for the next five to seven years.

That leaves a third-driver position as his stated fallback if no full-time opportunity emerges for 2027. Ocon confirmed he would take that route rather than race outside F1, keeping him within the paddock even if he is not competing on track.

The role would not be new to him: Ocon served as a third driver for Mercedes in 2019 before joining Renault the following year. His immediate priority, however, remains securing a race seat. The announcement that he and Haas will separate was covered in our report on Ocon’s planned Haas departure.

Ocon’s position is unequivocal: if he cannot race in Formula 1 next season, he intends to remain involved in the championship rather than pursue a drive elsewhere. With his Haas exit confirmed and the available 2027 seats limited, a reserve role is the alternative he has identified while continuing to seek a full-time return to the grid.