One F1 driver may not ‘finish the season’ because his team principal ‘clearly doesn’t like him’

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Formula 1 can be a cutthroat sport, with drivers sometimes losing their seats mid-season, and in 2026, it could happen again, this time at Haas with Esteban Ocon.

In 2025, two drivers lost their seats before the season ended, with Liam Lawson lasting just two races with Red Bull before Yuki Tsunoda replaced him. He did remain on the grid, however, with Racing Bulls, unlike Jack Doohan, who left the grid after six races with Alpine.

Should F1 teams also be given extra cost cap spending room in 2027? 🤔

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The Aussie was dropped for Franco Colapinto, marking the final mid-season driver change in 2025. But these transfers could potentially be on the cards in 2026, with Ocon facing real pressure at Haas.

After being beaten by rookie teammate Ollie Bearman last year, the Frenchman knows his results need to improve this season. However, he has only managed one point thus far to Bearman’s 17, which is not sitting well with Ayao Komatsu.

Esteban Ocon may not ‘finish the season’ with Haas in 2026

Komatsu has been frustrated with Ocon as his results since joining from Alpine have not been good enough. There has been little to no improvement in 2026, and the relationship between the two is deteriorating.

Komatsu and Ocon allegedly fell out in Miami as the latter again failed to score points. It has now raised questions as to whether he will see out the 2026 season with Haas, with journalist Julianne Cerasoli saying there are doubts he will keep his seat.

What do you expect from Esteban Ocon in the 2026 F1 season?

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She told UOL Esporte: “Well, Komatsu doesn’t like Ocon – clearly doesn’t like him – and isn’t happy with what he’s doing.

I’ve even heard that, well, I don’t know if Ocon will finish the season. So just to be clear, Ocon’s situation isn’t looking good at all in there, no.”

READ MORE: Haas driver Esteban Ocon’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Who could replace Esteban Ocon if Haas drop him mid-season?

Should Haas drop Ocon mid-season, there are a few options available for the team to consider for the remainder of 2026.

Doohan signed with Haas after leaving Alpine as a test and reserve driver. If Ocon is kicked out, it is the perfect opportunity for the Aussie to get another shot at F1.

But he does face competition. Ryo Hirakawa has regularly competed in FP1 sessions with Haas, and could be further in line for a seat with his Toyota connections.

Haas could even promote a Formula 2 driver into F1 through Ferrari, with Rafael Camara and Dino Beganovic having decent starts to the 2026 season.