Haas F1 Team evaluates Esteban Ocon’s future amid performance issues

Esteban Ocon is facing uncertainty regarding his future with the Haas F1 Team due to inconsistent car performance and underwhelming results. Ocon has highlighted significant technical issues with the VF-26, noting that the car’s performance fluctuates wildly between different circuits and even between his garage and that of teammate Oliver Bearman.

Ocon reported that the team has struggled to identify the root causes of these variations, as identical components have yielded different results in different settings. This lack of predictability has hindered both drivers, with Bearman notably outperforming Ocon in points and qualifying during the 2026 season.

As Haas evaluates its long-term direction for 2027, the team is considering several alternative candidates, including Leonardo Fornaroli, Rafael Câmara, Ryo Hirakawa, and Jack Doohan. While Ocon possesses a decade of Formula 1 experience, Haas sporting director Ayao Komatsu has indicated that the team expected more consistent performance from the veteran driver.