Esteban Ocon is currently in his 9th full season in Formula 1. Any F1 driver with such experience in the sport usually has the edge over rookie drivers. However, this has not been the case with Ocon. The Frenchman joined Haas in 2025, pairing with rookie teammate Oliver Bearman. While many expected Ocon to be well ahead of his teammate in terms of results, Bearman was able to finish ahead of him in 2025 and looks to be doing the same in 2026. This has Haas thinking whether Ocon is the right man for the job.
Ever since Haas joined the sport, they have never been able to battle at the top. Despite being in the sport for over a decade, they find themselves at the bottom of the standings this year. The team needs someone experienced and fast. While Ocon is experienced, he is not bringing in the points. This has led Haas to evaluate other options, including a certain Formula 2 Champion.
Haas evaluates potential replacements for Esteban Ocon
According to sources, Haas is keeping a close eye on McLaren test driver and 2025 F2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli. This Italian driver has been turning heads in the feeder series. In 2024, he won the FIA Formula 3 Championship. In the very next year, he went on to win the FIA Formula 2 Championship as well. There is no doubt that Fornaroli has the pace to become an F1 driver in the near future. But this driver signing could bring a new problem.
2025 Season: Esteban Ocon vs Oliver Bearman
2025 · P15
2025 · P13
If Haas signs Fornaroli, they will have two young drivers on the team. Although Bearman has been racing in F1 since 2025, he is still young. Haas might need someone who can give valuable feedback on the car to help with the development. Usually, having an experienced driver helps with that. However, Haas may not be able to sign another experienced driver.
It is no secret that Haas has always had financial troubles. So they most likely won't be able to afford experienced drivers such as Sergio Perez or Carlos Sainz to join the team. As it stands, Haas will continue to evaluate Esteban Ocon during the 2nd half of the season. If things continue not to go well for the Frenchman, the team may have to make some tough decisions for their future.
Will Oliver Bearman continue with Haas?
Oliver Bearman has evidently been very impressive for Haas in the last 2 years. However, the team has not been able to deliver a stronger car. This could leave Oliver Bearman frustrated and exploring other options. It is known that Bearman has a strong relationship with Ferrari, and if a spot opens up, Bearman will be the strongest candidate for the team. However, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc performing well, it doesn't seem like there will be an open seat anytime soon.
Bearman could still switch to one of the other teams if he gets the opportunity. All the teams except McLaren, Ferrari, and Cadillac have an open seat for the 2027 season. Realistically, Bearman will have a shot for at least 3 of them: Haas, Williams, and Audi. However, the Williams seat is more dependent on the decision Carlos Sainz Jr. takes. If he wishes to remain at Williams, Bearman will not have the option to switch there.
With Audi, the question is whether the team wants Nico Hulkenberg to retain his seat. Gabriel Bortoleto has been performing well and has verbally confirmed that he will remain with the team next year. So Bearman's only shot will be at Hulkenberg's seat. But knowing how silly seasons go, there could be more seats opening up as the weeks go by. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out.
