The news is finally out that Esteban Ocon will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign following a disappointing time with the American outfit. He joined for 2025 and considering his then eight seasons of experience, including four podiums and a victory in Hungary, Ocon was viewed as a real coup for Haas. But it just hasn’t worked out. Scoring just 45 points to Oliver Bearman’s 61 in their 18 months together has led to this news that was long expected.

Leonardo Fornaroli is one of two clear favourites for the second Haas seat in 2027. The 21-year-old Italian is yet another Formula 2 graduate to have served as McLaren’s test driver in 2026. Fornaroli has shined at the British marque with his development work behind the scenes, while also appearing in free practice sessions at Barcelona and Budapest. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella said: “It’s a very deserved opportunity.” Fornaroli completed a two-day TPC programme for Haas at Jerez in June.

Ryo Hirakawa is arguably the most straightforward option for Haas to promote its reserve driver into a full-time seat. The 32-year-old joined the operation in 2025 thanks to his strong ties with Toyota, who is a current partner and title sponsor of Haas. Hirakawa has plenty of single-seater experience with four wins and a runner-up championship finish during nine seasons of Super Formula in Japan.