Esteban Ocon's grip on the Haas cockpit is weakening, with the French driver under pressure as the team evaluates three possible successors for the 2027 season.
Who are the contenders?
Fox Sports reports that McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli, Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara, and former Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda have entered the conversation. Fornaroli, 21, captured back‑to‑back FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in 2024 and 2025 before joining McLaren as a reserve. A two‑day test in the VF‑25 under Haas' TPC programme impressed the team, especially since he had no prior simulator work with the car.
Why is Ocon under scrutiny?
Through the 2026 season, Ocon’s teammate Oliver Bearman has out‑qualified him 6‑2 and beaten him in races 5‑3, according to the latest stats ahead of Silverstone. Bearman’s 18 championship points dwarf Ocon’s three, prompting Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu to voice disappointment publicly. The performance gap has sparked speculation that the Frenchman’s contract may not be extended beyond the current term.
How do the candidates compare?
Fornaroli leads the shortlist after his impressive test. McLaren’s technical director Andrea Stella praised his speed in any car, whether a simulator or a real‑track session. Haas reportedly holds a letter of intent that would let them bring Fornaroli in on loan, keeping options open without a binding deal.
Câmara, a Ferrari academy graduate, sits third in the F2 championship with Invicta Racing. Ferrari’s influence over Haas through their technical alliance gives his name weight, yet insiders suggest he needs another year of experience before stepping into F1. No test with Haas is scheduled, and any trial would likely require Ferrari funding.
Tsunoda brings five full F1 seasons to the table after Red Bull replaced him with Isak Hadjar for 2026. He now serves as Red Bull’s reserve driver. However, his ties to Honda could clash with Haas’s growing partnership with Toyota, which now supplies title sponsorship and expands the team’s driver network.
What lies ahead for Ocon?
Haas retains an option to extend Ocon’s contract into a third year, but the market remains fluid. With Bearman consistently out‑performing him and three viable alternatives already in the mix, Ocon’s window to change the narrative is narrowing. The team says no decision is imminent, but the pressure on the French driver is unmistakable.
What could happen next?
If Haas opts for a fresh face in 2027, Ocon may need to explore seats elsewhere or accept a reduced role. The driver market this off‑season is expected to stay active, meaning Ocon could still find a seat if another team values his experience. For now, the Frenchman must deliver stronger results quickly to keep his place at the heart of the Haas garage.