Esteban Ocon is facing an uncertain Formula 1 future after Haas decided to replace him, with Aston Martin emerging as his only realistic option for the 2027 grid.
The Frenchman has been outperformed by Oliver Bearman in both of their seasons together, and there will not be a third. Ocon admitted on media day in Baku that he is a "free agent" for 2027, while team boss Ayao Komatsu said he expects to make a driver announcement "by the end of the month" – so this week.
Unless something dramatically changes, that announcement will be Bearman staying on and another Ferrari junior, Rafael Camara, joining him as a Formula One rookie. Ocon was signed for his experience while Bearman settled into regular life in F1, but that is no longer necessary, and his performances have not been strong enough to convince Haas that he remains the right man for the seat.
Limited options across the grid
So Bearman, despite being only 21, will become the new team leader. Camara, also 21, is racing in Formula 2 this season and could end it as the champion – he inherited the championship lead on Saturday with victory in the second Baku feature race and is seven points clear of Nikola Tsolov, while Alex Dunne in third is also in with a shout.
As for Ocon, the Frenchman has been left facing a very uncertain F1 future. He made it clear when speaking to media at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that his intention is to continue in the sport, but his Haas exit has been decided at a time when there are few other options out there for him.
The top four teams have all secured their lineups, as have Alpine. Racing Bulls have yet to communicate a final decision, though there is virtually no chance of any driver outside of the Red Bull structure landing a seat there. That team is used to develop their young stars of the future. Arvid Lindblad will certainly continue after a fine debut season, while a decision will be made between Liam Lawson and Tsolov.
Aston Martin the only viable route
Williams have tied down both their drivers to new contracts. While Audi have not, they do not feel they need to announce anything as both Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg have deals to drive in 2027. The latter is 39 years old and approaching the end of his F1 career, but Audi's plan A is for their academy driver, Freddie Slater, to one day take over that seat when he is ready.
That leaves just Cadillac and Aston Martin, and the latter looks to be his one truly viable option. Ocon is believed to be hoping that Cadillac will choose him instead of Valtteri Bottas for 2027. While that is a possibility, as it stands the newest team on the F1 grid is not expected to make any driver changes ahead of next year.
And so whether or not Ocon will continue to race in F1 largely depends on whether or not Fernando Alonso retires. The fact he has still yet to make a decision shows the 45-year-old is seriously considering stepping away, but it is also entirely possible he carries on for another year with Aston Martin.
Ocon is well-placed to get the nod to replace him if Aston Martin do end up needing a replacement. But he will have to wait until Alonso makes a final decision. And if he sticks around, or Aston Martin choose another option to fill his seat, then it is going to be a season on the sidelines for the man soon to lose his Haas place.
