Ocon future uncertain, boss denies Haas losing interest

Esteban Ocon’s future at Haas remains uncertain as the team struggles through a difficult 2026 season and several drivers are linked with his seat for next year.

Leonardo Fornaroli, Rafael Camara, Jack Doohan and even Yuki Tsunoda have all been mentioned as possible 2027 candidates, while Ocon has spent much of the year well behind Oliver Bearman on pace.

The Frenchman still believes an intermittent car problem may partly explain the gap.

"We’re still looking into why we sometimes have issues, but it’s good when we don’t have them because we can extract the maximum," Ocon said after sprint qualifying at Zandvoort.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu admits Haas has simply been unable to match the development rate of its larger rivals since starting the season strongly.

"We started the season extremely well, much better than anyone can think of, and then from that moment I think that’s the reality. With our constraints, we’re trying to develop the car as fast as possible, but the other guys are putting performance on the car faster than us."

Komatsu says another upgrade will arrive at Monza, although he warned against expecting a dramatic leap.

As for when Haas will decide its 2027 drivers, Komatsu refused to be drawn.

"We can’t talk about that," he insisted.

"We’re not in any rush. We’re focused on our two drivers, Ollie and Esteban, trying to get the best out of them."

"You know, Ollie has showed it repeatedly, Esteban, when he is happy with the car, you know what he can do."

Komatsu also strongly rejected former team boss Gunther Steiner’s suggestion earlier this week that owner Gene Haas has lost interest in Formula 1.

"No," the Japanese hit back. "I don’t think I’ve seen Gene at so many races."

"Sometimes his expectation is very, very high, but it’s good. He gets frustrated because he’s so focused on the result. But no, it’s the opposite.

"I’ve never seen him at so many races."