Esteban Ocon thanks supporters after losing Haas seat

Esteban Ocon has thanked supporters in a social media statement following his departure from Haas, with his Formula 1 future uncertain. Crash.net reports that the 30-year-old has no confirmed seat for 2027.

Haas has confirmed Ocon will not return to its race seat during the 2026 season. RacingNews365 reports that Ryo Hirakawa replaced him at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Hirakawa finished 10th and scored a point.

The team has confirmed Rafael Camara as Ocon’s replacement for 2027. Crash.net reports that Ocon had been informed of that decision before his early departure.

“My love for this sport remains as strong as ever, and I’m grateful to share that passion with so many of you,” Ocon said.

RacingNews365 reports that Ocon had a disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre selection during practice in Mexico.

RacingNews365 links Ocon’s early departure to a dispute with team principal Ayao Komatsu, while Crash.net reports that the reason remains unknown.

Komatsu said the decision was in the team’s interest and declined to discuss private conversations.

Ocon scored seven points in the 2026 season before losing his seat, with a best finish of eighth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Komatsu had previously acknowledged that Haas expected more from him.

Ocon has said he remains determined to compete in Formula 1 and has ruled out other racing series. Motorsport Week reports that most teams have settled their driver line-ups for 2027.