Could Lawson Replace Ocon at Haas?

Haas' confirmation that they will part ways with Esteban Ocon at the end of the season does not automatically guarantee a race seat for Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara, who is currently locked in a title fight with Nikola Tsolov.

Haas are expected to retain Oliver Bearman following an impressive rookie campaign, while several contenders are vying for Ocon's seat—including current Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson.

Lawson's seat is under direct threat from the 'Bulgarian Lion', with Arvid Lindblad expected to stay on next year, leaving team bosses to choose between Lawson and Tsolov. However, should Lawson strike a deal with Haas, it would take him out of the Red Bull fold while also shutting the door on an F1 race seat for Camara.

This speculation is based on unconfirmed reports that Haas showed interest in Lawson earlier this season, in the event Red Bull chose to promote Tsolov to a full-time Racing Bulls seat for next year. However, such a move would require Red Bull to release Lawson from his long-term contract.

Meanwhile, Camara continues his preparations for Formula 1 next season, with the Brazilian putting in an impressive performance during the latest TPC test in Portimao. Driving last year's VF-25, Camara was reportedly quicker than Bearman during the session, with the team using the Briton's lap times as a reference point.

Reports surfaced in September suggesting Tsolov's career could take him to Japan's Super Formula, though even that would offer Lawson only temporary respite as the 'Bulgarian Lion' gathers further experience on his path to Formula 1.