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‘Absolutely not’: F1’s worst-kept secret confirmed as ‘still hungry’ veteran makes bold pitch
Russell dominates, Mclaren disaster! | 02:24Formula One veteran Esteban Ocon’s turbulent two-year stint with Haas is over, with the Frenchman confirming rumours that he will be departing at season’s end.
The 30-year old had appeared all but certain to leave the team, with Haas less than satisfied with Ocon’s performance since signing him for the 2025 season – especially compared with teammate Oliver Bearman. He is widely expected to be replaced by Ferrari rookie Rafael Camara, who currently leads the F2 Drivers’ Standings on 207 points.
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“I’d like to thank Esteban for everything he’s contributed to the team,” Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said. Ocon said the departure was “absolutely not the end” of his time in F1, getting in a jab at Haas in his statement.
“I leave this project with my head held high and proud of my performances in what were not always the easiest of circumstances for various reasons and factors outside of my control,” he wrote on social media. “My immediate focus is the next race weekend. I will continue to work hard with the team, maximise every opportunity, and keep extracting every bit of performance from the car.
“There are still many races to go this season and, as always, I will give it my everything behind the wheel for myself and for my team. He declared he was a “free agent” for 2027 in the days before a respectable eighth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, more than doubling his season points tally to seven for the season.
Having joined Haas after a breakdown in his relationship with Alpine in 2024, Ocon’s departure leaves him facing an uncertain racing future, with no available options left. Esteban Ocon is departing Haas. “I’m 30 years old, raced 10 years in F1, but I’ve got a lot more to give to this sport. Having won one race and being a couple of times on the podium doesn’t satisfy me.
“I’ve raced almost 200 races, which is a lot, but I’m not happy with what I’ve done and what I’ve achieved so far. ”Alternatively, he has been linked to other championships, including with Toyota’s World Endurance Championship program. Ocon’s maiden and only F1 win came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, while he made the podium four further times – all with Alpine.
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