Trouble ‘brewing’ at Haas as Esteban Ocon’s camp accuse the team of favouring Oliver Bearman

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Tensions are rising at Haas as Esteban Ocon and his camp are not happy with the American outfit. They are accusing the team of favouring teammate Oliver Bearman.

The Frenchman was expected to be Haas’ lead driver when he signed from Alpine in 2025. Up against Bearman, who had only competed in three Grand Prix weekends at that point, many would have thought that Ocon would win the intra-team battle.

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

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But it took just two races for Karun Chandhok to say Bearman was emerging as Haas’ lead driver over Ocon, as the Brit got the better of him in 2025. Finishing ahead of his teammate by three points, it has only gotten more comprehensive in 2026.

After four races, Bearman has 17 points to his name, while Ocon has only registered a P10 at Suzuka. Haas are not impressed with his results, but the Frenchman is equally unhappy with how the team are treating him.

Esteban Ocon’s camp accuse Haas of favouring Ollie Bearman

Trouble has been ‘brewing’ at Haas for a while, as per a report from Autonocion. Team principal Ayao Komatsu is unsatisfied with his experienced driver’s results, having expected more from him since joining from Alpine.

But the Frenchman’s camp are ‘discontent’ with how he is being treated. Haas ‘doesn’t have a favourite driver’, but they have been accusing the team of prioritising Bearman.

Does Esteban Ocon deserve a seat on the F1 grid in 2027?

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The Brit’s ‘comments were listened to with more interest’ than Ocon’s, and the team opted to favour him with development and car setup. Bearman is viewed as a future star, with Ferrari supposedly keeping tabs on him.

Meanwhile, Ocon seems to have been cast aside, with his teammate being given preferential treatment. He made his feelings clear during pre-season, stating that the front lock-up issues he was having last year were not present on the other side of the garage.

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

Will Esteban Ocon finish the 2026 season?

Ocon is under immense pressure to keep up with his teammate and secure a spot on the grid in 2027. His contract expires in 2026, but the deteriorating relationship could bring an end to things sooner.

Ocon allegedly had a ‘fallout’ with Komatsu in Miami, which has fuelled speculation that he will lose his seat at the end of the season.

Rumours are even suggesting that Ocon could be dropped mid-season, with the likes of Jack Doohan, Ryo Hirakawa and Yuki Tsunoda waiting in the wings to replace him.