Haas Replaces Ocon With F3 Champion Camara
Esteban Ocon will depart Haas after the 2026 season to make room for rising star Rafael Camara.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Motorsports
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Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not have his contract renewed after two seasons with the team. F3 champion Rafael Camara has been signed to take the seat following a successful performance at a shootout in Portugal.
Why it matters
The team chose to pivot toward new talent after evaluating Camara at the Portimão circuit. Ocon is now exploring opportunities to remain in the Formula 1 paddock as a test or third driver for the 2027 season.
Esteban Ocon concludes a two-season tenure with Haas as the team looks to integrate current F3 champion Rafael Camara into the lineup. This transition follows a competitive shootout evaluation held at the Portimão circuit in Portugal.
The players
Esteban Ocon
He is a professional racing driver who is currently seeking a new role within the Formula 1 paddock for the 2027 season.
Rafael Camara
He is the reigning F3 champion who secured a seat with Haas after performing well during a driver shootout in Portugal.
Gene Haas
He is the founder and owner of the Haas F1 team and a prominent figure in American manufacturing and motorsports.
Ayao Komatsu
He serves as the team principal for Haas and manages the strategic and technical operations of the racing outfit.
Lewis Hamilton
He is a multi-time Formula 1 world champion who held discussions with Ocon during the United States Grand Prix weekend.
The details
Team leaders Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu finalized the decision to promote Camara following his strong showing during the evaluation process. As part of ongoing team adjustments, Ocon is scheduled to sit out the first practice session at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix.
Timeline
Haas announced the conclusion of Ocon's contract in October 2026.
Lewis Hamilton and Ocon spoke during the United States Grand Prix in October 2026.
Ocon will miss the opening practice session in Mexico City in October 2026.
Ocon plans to act as a test or third driver within the F1 paddock throughout 2027.
Ocon aims to return to a full-time F1 grid position by 2028.
Season Trajectory
The transition to Rafael Camara reflects the team's commitment to the F1 driver evaluation shootout as a primary scouting method for future roster changes. This move significantly shifts the Haas long-term strategy as they move away from the veteran Ocon to develop a younger prospect.
The decision to sit Ocon for the opening practice in Mexico City confirms an immediate reduction in the driver's track time for the remainder of the season. Fans and fantasy players should adjust expectations regarding his participation and potential for points as he transitions toward his planned 2027 reserve role.
The takeaway
Teams are increasingly relying on performance-based shootouts to identify and secure emerging talent before rival organizations. For followers of the sport, this indicates a narrowing window for veterans who do not secure multi-year commitments in a highly competitive grid.
Further reading
For more updates on driver movements, visit our Motorsports section.
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