Ocon now set to leave Haas after 2026
Esteban Ocon appears to have run out of road at Haas, with Rafael Camara installed as favourite for his seat and Aston Martin or a WEC switch his likeliest next stop.
Esteban Ocon now appears certain to leave Haas at the end of the season, with multiple reports indicating Rafael Camara has been chosen to replace him for 2027.
Canal Plus reports that Haas has now decided to move on from Ocon, with Ferrari junior Camara now regarded as the clear favourite to partner Oliver Bearman.
The French broadcaster's Julien Febreau was blunt.
"The decisions have been made at Haas and Esteban Ocon is not part of them," he said.
"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."
Ocon has already described himself as a "free agent" and admitted in Baku that the situation is wearing on him.
"F1 is a business, that's just how it is," he said after Saturday's Grand Prix.
"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."
Where Ocon could land next
His alternatives may now extend beyond Haas.
There are rumours Ocon has visited Aston Martin's headquarters, potentially positioning himself as a fallback if Fernando Alonso does not continue in 2027.
Another route could be outside Formula 1 altogether.
Because Haas has a technical partnership with Toyota, Ocon has been linked with a possible move into Toyota's factory World Endurance Championship program if no F1 seat materialises.
Jacques Villeneuve believes that may ultimately be where Ocon's future lies.
"After Haas, there is only life outside Formula 1," said the 1997 world champion.
"Because of all the young talent, there is no longer a place for a driver like Esteban. He has had his best days."
"You don't have to feel sorry for him," Villeneuve added. "You should actually be happy for him."
"He ultimately had a very long career, but achieved too few results."
Related: Ocon's frustration continues to boil before Haas decides
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This has been clear since Alessio Auriemma reported about Camara’s Haas drive in July & before anyone else.
A test/reserve role is Ocon’s only way of actively remaining in the F1 circle, although Toyota will apparently replace Conway with Masson for their WEC team.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ocon became a Ferrari test/reserve driver & started to compete in their WEC team.