Esteban Ocon will depart from Haas following the conclusion of the F1 2026 season.

“I want to express my gratitude to Esteban for all he has brought to the team since joining us in 2025,” remarked Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. “His dedication and professionalism have been invaluable as we strive to evolve as an organization.

“This year we faced the challenge of significant regulatory changes, where Esteban’s driving expertise and insights were crucial as we diligently worked to advance the VF-26 throughout the season.

“There is still a lot of racing left, and our aim remains to collaborate effectively to seize every opportunity up until the last race of the year.”

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Ocon has consistently indicated that his challenges were due to the inconsistencies of the Haas car, a problem that affected him more than Bearman, contending it wasn’t his driving that was to blame.

Recently, the situation has improved for the Frenchman, managing to score points in Baku last weekend, yet he still trails Bearman in qualifying with a 13-6 deficit against him in 2026.

Ocon is likely to depart at the year’s end with what should tally to 203 grand prix appearances, one victory at Hungary in 2021, and four podium finishes, all achieved with Alpine.

He stated on social media: "My journey with Haas F1 Team will conclude at the end of the 2026 season.

"I leave this project feeling proud and confident in my performances amidst circumstances that were not always the easiest for various reasons beyond my control.

"My immediate priority is the upcoming race weekend. I will keep pushing hard with the team, seize every opportunity, and strive to extract maximum performance from the car.

"There are still numerous races remaining this season, and as always, I will give my all behind the wheel for myself and for my team.

"I remain motivated. I remain hungry. This is by no means the conclusion of my Formula 1 career."

His next move is still uncertain, as is his replacement, although reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and current F2 leader Rafael Camara are believed to be in contention.

Ocon currently sits 16th in the 2026 drivers' standings, three positions behind Bearman, while Haas is positioned seventh in the constructors' championship after 15 of 23 rounds.