Sepang (Malaysia) (AFP) – Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon and the American team Haas announced on Wednesday that they will part ways at the end of the season, after a difficult year for the 30-year-old Frenchman.

First modification: 09/30/2026 - 15:44

Ocon currently has seven points in the drivers' world championship, in 16th position, while his teammate, the young British Oliver Bearman, has earned 20 points and occupies 13th position.

"My collaboration with the Haas team will come to an end at the end of the 2026 season. I leave this project with my head held high, proud of my performance in circumstances that have not always been easy," he wrote on the X social network, specifying that this is not "at all" the end of his career in Formula 1.

"I would like to thank Esteban for everything he has contributed within the team since his arrival in 2025," commented Haas director Ayao Komatsu, highlighting the Frenchman's "professionalism and involvement."

The announcement puts an end to months of rumors about the pilot's departure, denied by both parties. Ocon has often complained about his car and has sometimes shown unequal treatment compared to his teammate Bearman.

"My immediate priority is the next race weekend," said the Frenchman, on the eve of the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix, canceled in April and relocated to Malaysia, on the Sepang track.

"There are still many Grands Prix left this season and, as I have always done, I will give my all behind the wheel, for myself and for the team. I am still hungry for success," Ocon concluded, without giving any clues as to what his next team could be.

The Frenchman came to Formula 1 in 2016 with Force India. In 2020 he spent one season at Renault F1, then four at Alpine and the last two at Haas.

© 2026 AFP

The content you requested does not exist or is no longer available.