Esteban Ocon Fights to Stay in Formula 1: “I Am One of the Best!”

Pulse Sports Team 14:24 - 27 September 2026

Esteban Ocon has once again highlighted his credentials to remain in Formula 1 next season, despite his position at Haas appearing increasingly precarious.

The French driver staunchly defended his place in the sport, insisting he is “one of the best,” after his future for 2027 was cast into serious doubt.

It is believed that Ocon has already been informed he will not continue with Haas next season. The American team is actively evaluating alternatives, including Formula 2 driver Rafael Camara, who is part of Ferrari's young driver program and is emerging as a favorite to partner Oliver Bearman.

During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, the French driver publicly confirmed the situation, revealing he has no contract for next year.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu downplayed claims that a decision had already been made, stating that an option in Ocon's contract had simply expired without an agreement being reached.

“Every driver has a clause at a certain point in the year for an option decision. It just means we haven't made a decision on that option yet, but that was quite a while ago, so his situation hasn't changed much,” Komatsu said. “We are still trying to finalize what we are going to do next year.”

Nevertheless, an eighth-place finish in Baku, one position ahead of Bearman, provided Ocon with fresh arguments in his defense.

“I can say, ‘I deserve this,’ and not all the other nonsense,” Ocon told the media in Baku.

“I have raced against everyone on the grid and I have always been on par with them,” Ocon stated. “I have won every championship I have competed in. I have won races in Formula Renault. I have won karting championships. I won Formula 3. I won GP3.”