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via grandprix.comToyota rules out Ocon WEC moveToyota has dismissed speculation regarding Esteban Ocon's potential move to its World Endurance Championship program as he departs from Haas F1 Team. Toyota adviser Alexander Wurz confirmed that their driver lineup for the upcoming season is already complete and that they plan their roster well in advance.
Wurz emphasised the significance of maintaining team chemistry, stating that introducing a new driver could disrupt the existing dynamics. Meanwhile, former world champion Jacques Villeneuve commented on Ocon's performance over the past decade, suggesting he may need to reassess his career aspirations, questioning whether he truly wants to continue in Formula 1 or pursue opportunities in other racing series.
via RacingNews365Haas struggles in qualifying at Sepang Grand PrixHaas faced significant challenges during the qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, with both Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon eliminated in the first segment. Bearman highlighted a shocking issue with the car that contributed to their difficulties.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 11:20 UTC
via thejudge13.comHaas to part ways with Esteban Ocon after 2026 seasonHaas will end its partnership with Esteban Ocon following the 2026 season, as confirmed by team principal Ayao Komatsu. Komatsu stated that the decision was based on the 'overall picture', countering Ocon's claim that performance was not a factor.
via Motorsport.comLaurent Mekies credited with ending Red Bull's second seat "curse"Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has been credited with transforming the team's culture, which has reportedly helped Isack Hadjar thrive in his role. Will Buxton highlighted that Mekies has replaced the historically ruthless environment with a more supportive atmosphere, allowing drivers to perform better without excessive pressure.
Hadjar, who was promoted to Red Bull in 2026, impressed in his first race back after recovering from a wrist injury, finishing third. The change in management style under Mekies is seen as a significant factor in lifting what was referred to as Red Bull's second seat 'curse', which had previously troubled the team in finding a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen.
Thu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via the-race.comThe slowest race of F1 2026 explainedValtteri Bottas has detailed his significant pace issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he was over 1.7 seconds slower per lap than his Cadillac teammate Sergio Perez. Bottas crashed on the final lap after struggling with car setup and power steering issues throughout the race, leading to a lack of competitiveness. He acknowledged that he was unable to keep up with the pack and faced difficulties in both corners and straights.
Bottas's performance was further impacted by the absence of the upgraded ADUO 2 Ferrari engine, which Perez had during the race. While Bottas's engine upgrade is uncertain for the upcoming race in Sepang, Perez has opted to save his power unit for a more advantageous event. Both drivers anticipate a tough weekend in Malaysia due to the Cadillac's ongoing struggles with tyre management and aerodynamic performance.
Thu 1 Oct · 04:29 UTC
via the-race.comAll the reasons the Ocon-Haas relationship fell apartEsteban Ocon's relationship with the Haas Formula 1 team has deteriorated significantly, leading to his exit after the 2026 season. Despite being a highly coveted driver when signed, Ocon's performance issues and public complaints about the car have strained his relationship with the team. Haas decided not to activate his contract option for 2027, with Rafa Camara expected to take his place.
The tensions between Ocon and Haas escalated as the team faced technical difficulties and Ocon's inconsistent performances. Although he showed potential at times, his inability to maintain a strong performance and accountability ultimately led to his departure. Speculation about financial factors influencing Haas's decision has emerged, but team principal Ayao Komatsu's support for Ocon initially suggested a different direction.Wed 30 Sep · 15:58 UTC
via grandprix.comOcon's options shrink as four 2027 seats remain unconfirmedEsteban Ocon has announced his departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, leaving him with limited options for 2027. With only four seats unconfirmed, Haas has indicated it will not retain Ocon, while Racing Bulls is expected to continue with its own drivers, making Ocon's return to the grid challenging.
Ocon, who joined Haas as its first Grand Prix winner, has struggled to match his teammate Oliver Bearman during his tenure. Despite his desire to remain in Formula 1, the current landscape suggests that a reserve role may be more feasible for him, especially given his previous connection with Mercedes.
via Formula1.comTREMAYNE: Why I hope Ocon’s F1 story isn’t over yetDavid Tremayne expresses concern that Esteban Ocon might not have a seat in Formula 1 next season, believing he still deserves a chance to compete. Ocon made history by winning his first Grand Prix in Hungary in 2021, becoming the 111th driver to achieve this feat under unique circumstances.
The article reflects on the significance of Ocon's victory, highlighting the competition he faced from notable drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso. Tremayne's commentary suggests a hope that Ocon's journey in Formula 1 is not finished, despite uncertainties regarding his future in the sport.
Wed 30 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToyota denies Esteban Ocon's 2027 WEC seat rumoursToyota's World Endurance Championship technical director David Floury confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not be joining the team for the 2027 season. This follows Ocon's diminishing options in Formula 1, particularly after Haas announced the end of its partnership with him.
+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comBottas confirms Cadillac brake fix reduced temperatures by 100CValtteri Bottas has announced that Cadillac's recent modifications to their brake cooling system have successfully lowered front brake temperatures by approximately 100 degrees Celsius. This improvement addresses a significant reliability issue that the team has faced in its early Formula 1 campaign.+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 09:43 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 f1oversteer.comOtmar Szafnauer admits Sergio Perez nearly got a five-year FIA ban before he joined Red BullOtmar Szafnauer disclosed that Sergio Perez was close to receiving a five-year ban from the FIA due to a doping rules violation during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. After the race, Perez underwent IV treatment for dehydration, which is prohibited under FIA regulations. The situation escalated when Perez shared details of the treatment on social media, prompting Szafnauer to engage a top sports lawyer to navigate the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved without a ban, allowing Perez to continue his career, which included a move to Red Bull in 2021. Now 36, Perez is on the verge of reaching 300 race starts, while Cadillac is evaluating potential driver changes for the 2027 season, which could impact his teammate Valtteri Bottas.Wed 30 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Calls Pointless Baku Weekend ‘One of My Best’ as Cadillac’s Struggles ContinueSergio Perez has declared his Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as one of his best despite finishing outside the points. After starting from P20 due to a grid penalty, he managed to recover to 14th place, matching his best result of the season with Cadillac, who are still seeking their first points in Formula 1.
Despite the lack of points, Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt competitive throughout the race. He acknowledged the need for improvements in Cadillac's car to enhance their competitiveness, particularly in straight-line speed, as they aim for a points finish before the end of the season.
Tue 29 Sep · 20:49 UTC
via grandprix.comSergio Perez warns of dangers with 2026 F1 carsSergio Perez has expressed concerns about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating he fears that 'something bad is going to happen soon.' He highlighted the dangerous closing speeds caused by differences in power deployment among engine manufacturers, particularly after a close call during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
via Motorsport.com“I fear something bad is going to happen soon” – 2026 F1 cars are “too dangerous”, Sergio Perez warnsSergio Perez has raised alarms about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, citing significant speed differentials that could lead to accidents. His concerns were amplified after a serious crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix, which underscored the risks associated with the new power units that feature a high percentage of electrical energy.
Following a close call with Liam Lawson during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez urged for regulatory changes to address the dangerous disparities in engine performance. The FIA has already made some adjustments, and further changes are expected for the 2027 season to improve safety. Despite these efforts, Perez remains apprehensive about the implications for upcoming races.Tue 29 Sep · 12:39 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.Page 1 of 6