Ocon’s departure follows a challenging partnership with Bearman, who outperformed him in 2025 and 2026. Haas team principal Ayao Kumatso admitted the team “expected more” from Ocon, citing his struggles to match Bearman’s consistency. The American squad has evaluated multiple candidates, including Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, McLaren’s Leonardo Fornaroli, and reserves Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. Camara, a Formula 2 title contender, is seen as a strong favorite, though Haas owner Gene Haas has hinted at reluctance to become a customer operation
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Ocon, who has driven for Manor, Force India, and Haas since 2016, remains hopeful for a return. I leave this project with my head held high,
he said in a social media statement, vowing to give it my everything
in the remaining races. His options are limited, with most teams having finalized 2027 lineups. A reserve role with Mercedes, where he is part of the driver program, remains a possibility.
Ocon’s exit marks the end of an era for Haas, which had hoped to establish itself as a consistent midfield contender. As Bearman prepares for his expanded role, the focus turns to how Haas will manage the 2027 season with a new lineup and the pressure to prove its long-term viability in F1.
Ocon’s Legacy and Final Statements
Ocon, 30, has been vocal about his frustration with the decision, stating I don’t think I deserve to have this for the future
in a RacingNews365 interview. He emphasized his dedication, saying, I put [in] the hard work. We have benefited from finding out all these issues very early, since I joined the team, and it has been very good for everyone.
Despite the setback, Ocon remains focused on his remaining races, noting, If we have that, it should work, as it did in Baku, as it did in Madrid. We’ll see.
The Frenchman’s tenure at Haas began in 2025, where he was viewed as a “real coup” for the team. His 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix victory and eight years of F1 experience made him a high-profile addition. However, his performance lagged behind Bearman’s, who outscored him 61 points to 45 over 18 months. Ocon’s qualifying results also lagged, with Bearman out-qualifying him 13-6 at an average advantage of 0.144 seconds.
Bearman’s Evolution and Leadership Aspirations
I’ve come a long way in those two years,
he told RacingNews365, highlighting his evolving relationship with the team. The Briton, part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, acknowledged Ocon’s mentorship but emphasized his readiness to shape Haas’ technical direction. Especially with how I interact with the team off-track and what I understand about how to get the most out of the guys and developing the car as well,
Bearman said, reflecting on the transition to this kind of new role.
Bearman’s path to F1 included joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in late 2021, a point-scoring emergency debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia in 2024, and extensive FP1 mileage with Haas before his promotion. Haas has eased his transition from a junior pairing with Ocon into the team’s technical reference point. However, he remains part of the Ferrari driver academy and is seen as a future option for the Maranello-based outfit.
Bearman’s readiness to lead was underscored by his comments on team dynamics. Especially with how I interact with the team off track and what I understand about how to get the most out of the guys and developing the car as well,
he said, signaling his intent to lead Haas’ technical strategy.
Haas’s Driver Market and Replacement Contenders
Haas is the only team still actively seeking a driver for 2027, with Ocon’s seat up for grabs. The team has evaluated multiple candidates, including FIA F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, and reserves Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. Fornaroli, a McLaren junior, was an early contender, with McLaren open to loaning him to Haas. However, Ferrari’s preference for Camara, who leads the F2 standings, shifted the focus.
His performance and financial backing make him an attractive proposition.
Source 4 Jack Doohan, another reserve, also remains in the mix, though his prospects are less clear.
Haas’s Financial and Technical Constraints
Haas faces financial challenges, with the team acknowledging it cannot spend the full amount permitted under the cost cap. A potential injection of cash from Toyota, Ferrari, or other partners could help.
Haas is also developing its own simulator, signaling a desire for greater independence. The team’s reliance on Ferrari’s resources has raised concerns about becoming a customer operation,
a prospect Haas owner Gene Haas has sought to avoid.
Bearman’s role in the team’s technical development is critical. His feedback will shape the VF-26’s evolution, with Haas relying on his insights to close the gap with rivals. I’m looking forward to this kind of new role,
Bearman said, reflecting on his expanded responsibilities.