F1: Haas 2027 seat candidates named as Esteban Ocon confirmed yet to receive extension offer

As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend gets underway, Haas have not confirmed their driver line-up for 2027, and Esteban Ocon told Formula1.com he has “yet to receive an offer” of a contract extension, describing himself as a “free agent” for next year. Ocon’s current team-mate Ollie Bearman has not been officially announced by Haas either, but the report says he is viewed as the more likely figure to remain in place as the American team prepares for 2027.

Formula1.com reports that, while Ocon remains an option, sources suggest the Frenchman will leave Haas when his current deal ends “at the end of this season,” with a reserve role more likely given limited 2027 opportunities on the grid. In that context, the publication’s assessment lists several leading alternatives, with Ferrari junior Rafael Camara described as the standout candidate to take Ocon’s seat.

Camara’s route through junior categories and his current position in Formula 2 are cited as part of Haas’s interest, including Formula1.com’s note that Camara has impressed the team during the Test of Previous Cars (TPC) while driving Haas machinery. The report also says Ferrari have been a close partner with Haas since the team’s entry in 2016 and are “very keen to test his potential in Formula 1,” with Lawrence Barretto stating Camara is the “overwhelming favourite.”

Other 2027 options mentioned include Leonardo Fornaroli, who completed a TPC run earlier this year and, according to the report, has been supported through McLaren’s development programme as well as a reserve role for 2026. Yuki Tsunoda is also discussed as a possible candidate based on his recent Racing Bulls opportunities, while Ryo Hirakawa is presented as a consistent Haas test and reserve driver associated with Toyota, though the report says he is “not expected” to be promoted. Finally, Jack Doohan is included as Haas’s current reserve, following his move from Alpine for 2026, but Formula1.com says he is “not believed to be at the top of the shortlist.”

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk