Esteban Ocon’s place at Haas for the 2027 Formula 1 season is far from secure. The French driver has struggled to match teammate Ollie Bearman, and team principal Ayao Komatsu has openly said the squad is not satisfied with Ocon’s results. Unless Ocon can produce a dramatic upswing in performance before the summer break, the team is likely to look elsewhere.
The leading contender is 21‑year‑old Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion who also serves as McLaren’s reserve driver. After a recent test in Haas’s VF‑25, where he impressed with speed and feedback despite lacking simulator preparation, Fornaroli has emerged as the favorite. A letter of intent already exists to facilitate a loan move should Haas decide to act. The team’s expanded partnership with Toyota adds further options, notably Hypercar driver Ryo Hirakawa, who has logged multiple FP1 outings for Haas and enjoys strong backing from the Japanese manufacturer. Ferrari‑linked prospects such as Ollie Bearman and Rafael Camara are also on the radar, though none have a concrete pathway yet.
Haas will monitor the evolving driver market, especially any surprise developments involving Max Verstappen, before committing to a replacement. Ocon still has a chance to extend his contract if he can deliver standout results in the remaining races, making the upcoming Grand Prix weekends a critical test for his future.
