Esteban Ocon shares statement as F1 career hangs in balance

Esteban Ocon has thanked fans and former colleagues for their support after Haas ended his time with the team before the season was over, leaving his place in Formula 1 beyond 2026 uncertain.

In a social media statement, Ocon said the messages had meant a great deal to him. He also expressed gratitude to fans and people he had worked with, adding that his passion for the sport remained undiminished.

Haas ended Ocon’s season after tensions rose

Ocon had been due to leave Haas at the end of 2026, as outlined in the earlier announcement of his planned departure. But the team brought that exit forward following a dispute with team principal Ayao Komatsu.

Relations had become strained as Ocon struggled to match team-mate Oliver Bearman. Komatsu had said Haas expected more from the experienced driver, a point explored in our report on the team’s assessment of Ocon’s performance.

Tensions came to a head at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Ocon argued with race engineer Laura Mueller during practice over tyre selection. Ocon later described a difference of opinion with people at the team, while rejecting reports that the disagreement had turned physical.

Haas put Ryo Hirakawa in the car for the Mexican race, then confirmed Ocon would not return for the rest of the season. Komatsu said the decision was in the team’s best interests but did not discuss private conversations.

Ocon has no confirmed seat for 2027

The driver’s departure leaves his next step unclear. Rafael Câmara, a Ferrari academy driver already signed for 2027, made his Formula 1 debut alongside Bearman at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Ocon made his F1 debut with Manor in 2016 and went on to race for Force India, Renault and Alpine. His career highlights include a maiden victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. But with no seat confirmed for 2027, his future on the grid remains in serious doubt.

His message to supporters offered thanks, but no indication of what comes next. Ocon said his attachment to the sport remains strong; whether that will translate into another F1 opportunity is still unresolved.