Esteban Ocon has insisted that talks over his future at Haas are ongoing, but he has not ruled out a move to a rival team. Speaking in the FIA press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, the Frenchman revealed that discussions had begun in recent weeks, but no extension has been agreed. Ocon’s contract expires at the end of this season, and with silly season in full swing, available seats are rapidly filling up.
Ocon joined Haas in 2025 after leaving Alpine, and he claims to be convinced by the project being built with team principal Ayao Komatsu. "I’ve been convinced to come for this project, you know, with Ayao since 2025 and, of course, the first discussion needs to happen with this team, and they are happening right now," he said. This statement underscores that his priority is to extend his stay with Haas, but he is keeping his options open.
When asked if he had spoken with rival teams, Ocon did not give a direct answer. He merely stated that his focus is on performance with the team. "But it is clear that inside the team the drivers are not the problem," he stressed. "We are all pushing together in the same direction to try and get more out of the car." This implies that he sees the main issue as the car’s performance, not the drivers.
Haas is currently striving to regain competitiveness on the F1 grid. Ocon and teammate Ollie Bearman have shown speed when the car is in optimal condition, but consistency remains a challenge. "And myself and Ollie, you know, when we have the car to perform, we do," Ocon added. "And at the moment, that’s all I’m focused on is to get the maximum of what we can do, fix the issues of the car, learn this new track and hopefully have good results."
In recent weeks, Haas has reportedly conducted Testing Previous Car (TPC) sessions with other drivers, sparking speculation that the team is considering options for next season. Responding to this, Ocon remained calm. "But yes, the team is allowed to test other drivers if they want," he said. "We have a TPC programme that’s very important to us — it’s also some kind of revenue for us." This comment shows he understands the business dynamics behind the testing programme.
With the driver market moving quickly, Ocon is under time pressure to secure his future. If Haas does not offer an extension soon, he must act fast to secure a seat elsewhere. Several seats are still available, but competition is fierce with many talented young drivers also seeking opportunities. Ocon must make the most of every chance to showcase his abilities on track, while convincing teams that he is a valuable asset.
Ocon’s future will be one of the intriguing stories in the coming races. His decision will affect not only his own career but also the composition of next year’s F1 grid. Meanwhile, Haas must decide whether to retain an experienced driver or seek a new face to take the team to the next level. One thing is clear: Ocon will not sit idly by waiting for a decision.
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