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via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
+ 9 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.
Wed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comToyota’s replacement plan if Ryo Hirakawa lands Haas F1 seatToyota is preparing for a possible reshuffle in its driver line-up as Ryo Hirakawa is being considered for a seat at Haas in Formula 1. If Hirakawa departs the World Endurance Championship, Esteban Masson is expected to step up to Toyota's Hypercar squad, with team technical director David Floury indicating that promoting Masson would be a logical decision.
Hirakawa, who has been testing F1 cars for Haas, McLaren, and Alpine, is among the candidates to replace Esteban Ocon at Haas. Although Rafael Camara is seen as a strong contender for the seat, a final decision has yet to be made. Floury expressed confidence in Hirakawa's ability to adapt to F1, citing his extensive experience in Super Formula and private testing.
Wed 30 Sep · 08:41 UTC
via Motorsport.comEsteban Ocon to depart Haas after F1 2026 seasonEsteban Ocon will leave Haas at the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season following a challenging tenure with the team. The 30-year-old driver joined Haas from Alpine for the 2025 season.+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 08:26 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star who beat all the odds AXED as official statement confirms 2027 driver changeEsteban Ocon has confirmed he will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, announcing the news via social media. Despite his departure, Ocon expressed that this is not the end of his F1 career, as he remains focused on upcoming races and maintaining his performance.
Rafael Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is currently the leading candidate to take Ocon's place at Haas. Ocon's tenure with the team began in 2025, and he has faced challenges during the 2026 season, managing only 7 points so far. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged Ocon's contributions and professionalism during his time with the team.
Wed 30 Sep · 08:20 UTC
via RaceFansOcon insists his F1 career is not over as Haas confirm he won’t drive for them in 2027 | Formula 1Esteban Ocon's departure from Haas has been confirmed, with the team announcing he will leave at the end of the current season. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed gratitude for Ocon's contributions since joining in 2025, highlighting his professionalism and commitment during a significant regulation change.
Despite leaving Haas, Ocon insists that his Formula 1 career is not over. He played a crucial role in the development of the VF-26 and the team is focused on maximizing their performance for the remainder of the season.
Wed 30 Sep · 08:08 UTC
via grandprix.comCamara reportedly chosen to replace Ocon at HaasRafael Camara is reportedly set to replace Esteban Ocon at Haas for the 2027 season, although the team has yet to confirm this decision. Sources indicate that Camara, a 21-year-old Ferrari junior and reigning Formula 3 champion, has been evaluated in older Haas machinery and is performing well in Formula 2, making him a strong candidate for the seat.
Esteban Ocon has acknowledged his uncertain future, stating he views himself as a free agent and is exploring options with other teams. While reports suggest that Haas is moving on from Ocon, an official announcement regarding the driver lineup is still pending. If confirmed, Camara's promotion would align with Haas's existing technical relationship with Ferrari, potentially leading to an all-Ferrari junior driver lineup alongside Oliver Bearman.
via RacingNews365Pirelli faces challenges at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaPirelli is preparing for unique challenges at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place in Malaysia for the first time in nine years. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time during the second free practice session at Sepang International Circuit.
+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via the-race.comWhat you need to know about F1's likely new driverRafael Camara, a promising driver in Formula 2, is being considered for a seat in Formula 1 for the 2027 season, potentially replacing Esteban Ocon at Haas. His impressive performance includes the fastest qualifying average in F2 and five pole positions as a rookie, showcasing his raw speed and talent. Team boss James Robinson has expressed confidence in Camara's abilities, stating he would be surprised if Camara does not race in F1 soon.
Despite his undeniable speed, Camara acknowledges that he still has areas to improve, particularly in his racecraft, having made critical mistakes in earlier races this season. However, he has shown resilience, bouncing back with strong performances, including a win in Baku. Camara has also participated in testing sessions for Ferrari and Haas, further solidifying his readiness for the top tier of motorsport.Tue 29 Sep · 06:33 UTC
via Motorsport.comColton Herta aims for Formula 1 by 2028Colton Herta remains determined to achieve his goal of competing in Formula 1 by 2028, despite facing challenges in his current Formula 2 season. He acknowledges the difficulties of adapting to the pace of younger drivers but believes he still has a chance to succeed.+ 2 moreMon 28 Sep · 16:57 UTC
via PlanetF1Esteban Ocon reflects on Haas exit as F1 future uncertainEsteban Ocon has expressed his disappointment regarding his departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 season, stating it is 'not really the way it should be.' Despite the setback, Ocon remains determined that this will not mark the end of his Formula 1 career.
+ 17 more
via f1technical.net"It’s been a long time coming," Haas reflects on double-points finish in BakuHaas achieved a significant milestone at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman finishing in eighth and ninth place, respectively. This double-points finish is a notable achievement for the American team, as they were the only midfield team to score with both cars, ending a challenging streak and marking their first points since the Monaco Grand Prix.
Both drivers capitalised on the chaotic race conditions, particularly during the Safety Car restart. Ocon acknowledged the initial struggles with the car's balance but credited a successful pit stop for the improved performance. Bearman expressed satisfaction with the team's overall result, highlighting the importance of their finishes in the context of their recent difficulties.
Mon 28 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via gpfans.comIsack Hadjar's wrist injury update from Red BullRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies provided an update on Isack Hadjar's wrist injury following his return to racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mekies confirmed that Hadjar's condition is improving after the 51-lap event.+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 07:45 UTC
via F1iLeclerc urges Ferrari to react to Red Bull and McLaren surgeCharles Leclerc expressed concern over Ferrari's performance after finishing fourth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting that the team's SF-26 lacked the necessary pace to compete with Red Bull and McLaren. He noted that rivals had made significant upgrades, while Ferrari had not, which put them at a disadvantage.
Leclerc acknowledged that the development gap was becoming increasingly urgent, as every upgrade must count due to budget caps and testing restrictions. He confirmed that Ferrari has developments planned but was cautious about their potential impact, stressing the need for the team to respond quickly to regain lost ground.Mon 28 Sep · 07:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris surprised by Oscar Piastri's paceLando Norris stated that McLaren were 'surprised' by Oscar Piastri's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that McLaren must learn from their mistakes after a disappointing race.
Sun 27 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via Formula1.comLeclerc calls for Ferrari upgrades after Azerbaijan GPCharles Leclerc has expressed concern over Ferrari's performance, stating they were 'quite far off' the pace of Mercedes and Red Bull during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has promised that upgrades for the SF-26 will be introduced soon to address the team's competitive deficit.
+ 4 moreSun 27 Sep · 09:09 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJacques Villeneuve says one F1 driver is ‘done’ and you shouldn’t even ‘feel sorry’ for himJacques Villeneuve has expressed a lack of sympathy for Esteban Ocon, who is set to leave Haas at the end of the season. Despite Ocon's recent performance, finishing eighth in Baku, Villeneuve believes Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has made a definitive decision regarding Ocon's future, citing the need for a driver who fits better within the team's dynamics.
Ocon, who is approaching his 200th race start in Formula 1, has had a mixed career with four podium finishes but has often been outperformed by his teammates. Villeneuve noted that Ocon's long tenure in the sport has not yielded significant results, suggesting that he should not be pitied for his impending exit.Sat 26 Sep · 18:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekEsteban Ocon asserts his value amid Haas uncertaintyEsteban Ocon has confidently stated, 'I'm one of the best out there,' as he faces uncertainty regarding his future with Haas in Formula 1. His remarks follow a strong performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he helped the team secure double points.
+ 5 moreSat 26 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton calls for Ferrari review after BakuLewis Hamilton has urged Ferrari to investigate their performance following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The seven-time champion expressed frustration over the team's tyre preparation and energy management during the race weekend.+ 3 moreSat 26 Sep · 17:57 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton questions Ferrari's performance in BakuLewis Hamilton expressed confusion over Ferrari's struggles during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified and finished sixth. The Mercedes driver noted that Ferrari was over 1.3 seconds off the pace, highlighting a significant drop from their previous competitiveness.+ 2 moreSat 26 Sep · 16:00 UTCPage 3 of 10