Esteban Ocon has refused to rule out joining a rival as speculation over his future renewed during the buildup to the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.
Ocon’s future is the subject of debate in the paddock, as despite being out of contract at the end of this season, he has yet to receive an extension.
With F1’s silly season underway, seats are disappearing fast, leaving him with limited options should a deal with Haas fail to materialise.
The Frenchman did not directly address whether he had spoken with other teams when asked about his future at Haas.
Instead, he is pointing to ongoing internal discussions and the team’s testing programme.
Asked what internal talks he is having with Haas about his future, Ocon played down reports of other drivers taking part in a Testing Previous Car [TPC] test:
“We are having discussions regarding the future in these recent weeks” he said in Thursday’s FIA Press Conference.
“I’ve been convinced to come for this project, you know, with Ayao since 2025 and, of course, the first discussion needs to happen with this team, and they are happening right now.”
“But yes, the team is allowed to test other drivers if they want,” he continued. “We have a TPC programme that’s very important to us — it’s also some kind of revenue for us.”
Esteban Ocon refuses to confirm potential rival talks
Ocon did not answer whether he has spoken with rival teams.
Making a telling remark, Ocon stated the drivers were not the issue as Haas struggles to regain competitiveness.
“But it is clear that inside the team the drivers are not the problem,” he said. “We are all pushing together in the same direction to try and get more out of the car.”
Ocon said his concentration stayed on performance alongside teammate Ollie Bearman. “And myself and Ollie, you know, when we have the car to perform, we do,” he said. “And at the moment, that’s all I’m focused on is to get the maximum of what we can do, fix the issues of the car, learn this new track and hopefully have good results.”
Ocon faces a difficult period at present. He must either get Haas to extend his tenure, or move swiftly enough to secure a deal with a rival, all against a rapidly ticking clock.
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Originally published by motorsportweek.com —
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