Esteban Ocon will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season after two disappointing years with the American squad. The 30-year-old Frenchman joined from Alpine for 2025 but scored just 45 points compared to teammate Oliver Bearman's 61 across 2025-2026, with a 13-6 qualifying deficit this year. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu thanked Ocon for his professionalism and contributions during the major regulation change, noting his experience helped develop the VF-26.

Ocon maintained his struggles stemmed from car inconsistencies rather than his driving, though form improved recently with points in Baku. He departs with 203 grand prix starts, one victory at Hungary in 2021, and four podiums — all with Alpine. Ocon stated on social media he leaves "with my head held high" and insisted this is "absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career." His replacement remains unconfirmed, though Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and current F2 leader Rafael Camara are candidates.

Ocon sits 16th in the 2026 drivers' standings, three spots behind Bearman, with Haas seventh in the constructors' championship after 15 of 23 rounds.