Is the Formula 2 Champion a Contender for a Haas Seat?

Haas has yet to open discussions about their 2025 Formula 1 driver lineup, despite many analysts believing the topic is actively being debated within the team. While Oliver Bearman is expected to retain his seat at Haas, the same cannot be said for Esteban Ocon. Earlier this year, rumors even circulated that Ocon might not finish the current season.

According to various sources, two contenders are vying for the Frenchman's spot: Ferrari's young driver program star Rafael Camara, who is battling Nikola Tsolov for the Formula 2 title, and the reigning Formula 2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli.

The Italian driver has had two phenomenal seasons in 2024 and 2025, first clinching the Formula 3 title despite not winning a single race, and then triumphing in Formula 2 last year.

Fornaroli is a reserve driver for McLaren, but realistically has no chance of a full-time seat with the Formula 1 world champions. Therefore, other options are being explored for him to continue his career at the highest level.

It is believed that Haas first needs to be fully confident that Bearman possesses enough experience and assurance to lead the team from 2027 onwards before pairing him with a rookie. For such a debutant, securing sponsor support would also be crucial.

Fornaroli participated in the first free practice session in Hungary and is actively involved in the older car program, accumulating the mileage necessary for a super license next year. These are all indicators that his Formula 1 debut as a full-time driver might be approaching.