Esteban Ocon’s Formula 1 future has taken another dramatic turn, with reports suggesting Haas is preparing to replace him with Ferrari junior Rafael Camara for the 2027 season. Ocon has already called himself a “free agent” and admitted that discussions about his future are taking place behind the scenes.The situation became even more intriguing after Ocon scored eighth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It was his best result of the 2026 season. He insisted he remains “one of the best out there” and believes he still has plenty to offer in F1. Yet the latest reports suggest his next chapter could take him away from Formula 1 altogether.
Rafael Camara move could leave Esteban Ocon facing a surprise F1 exit
The latest reports have Rafael Camara emerging as the driver set to take Esteban Ocon’s Haas seat for 2027. The Brazilian is a Ferrari junior and has impressed during his rise through the junior categories. Formula 1 reports that Camara is currently the leading candidate for the seat, while RACER also identified him as the frontrunner.Canal Plus has gone further, reporting that Haas has made its decision and that Ocon is not part of the team’s plans for next season.“The decisions have been made at Haas and Esteban Ocon is not part of them. We have to stop pretending otherwise. The choices have now been made at Haas and he has to try to convince another team. We’re thinking of Cadillac, we’re thinking of Aston Martin”, Canal Plus journalist Julien Febreau said.Ocon’s own comments have added to the uncertainty. “F1 is a business, that’s just how it is. I’ve always fought with the best, always. I’ve won races in every championship I’ve competed in. I deserve better than what’s happening right now”, he said after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Frenchman then delivered a strong response to questions about his ability. After finishing eighth in Baku, Ocon said he considers himself “one of the best out there”.He also remains hopeful of continuing in F1. Earlier in the Baku weekend, he said there were discussions happening that were beyond his control, “There are things in discussion that are out of my control. Certain topics are out of my control. So, I will keep pushing until the end of the year and see how it goes.”However, Haas has been assessing several options for 2027. Alongside Camara, the team has evaluated drivers including Leonardo Fornaroli, Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. Komatsu said the final decision would come after reviewing their testing performances.Reports have linked Ocon with Toyota’s factory World Endurance Championship programme. Haas has a technical relationship with Toyota, making the possibility particularly interesting. One recent report claims Ocon could move to Toyota WEC if his F1 career ends.For now, Haas has not officially confirmed Ocon’s replacement.
