'Definitely a free agent for next year' – Ocon gives update on Haas future as 'discussions' ongoing

Esteban Ocon claims he is "definitely a free agent for next year" amid speculation about his Formula 1 future with Haas, adding that "I've got a lot more to give to this sport".

The Frenchman has been the focal point of rumours throughout much of 2026 that he will not be retained by Haas next season, which also included denying a rift between himself and the team ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in May.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, Ocon admitted that discussions were still ongoing with Haas but hinted that other talks might also be taking place to ensure he remains on the grid in 2027.

"At the moment I'm definitely a free agent for next year," said Ocon on Wednesday's media day in Baku.

"All these discussions, and there are some certain topics in the background that are out of my control at this moment. I'm focused on the track, trying to deliver the best I can and getting the result that this team deserves."

Ocon has amassed just three points for Haas so far this season after finishing in the points in Japan and Monaco, the latter event the final time a Haas car has finished inside the top-10.

Ocon has spent a decade in F1, culminating in one sole victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for Alpine, as well as three further podiums.

When asked if he had considered a future outside F1, Ocon replied: "No. Everything that we're looking at is in F1.

"I'm 30 years old, raced 10 years in F1, but I've got a lot more to give to this sport. Having won one race and being a couple of times on the podium doesn't satisfy me.

"I've raced almost 200 races, which is a lot, but I'm not happy with what I've done and what I've achieved so far.

"When I see some of my colleagues that I've been racing with, they are all winning races, being on pole and that's where I want to be as well. I've got a lot more to give to this sport, I'm not looking at something else."

Team mate Ollie Bearman has scored 18 points for Haas, which included a fifth-place finish in China, but has struggled to match his early season form as the team have lost pace compared with their rivals.

The Briton has also yet to be confirmed by Haas, but ahead of Saturday's race in Baku, believes his future is all but secure.

"The final decision is not really in my hands but I'm prepared to stay with Haas next year," he said. "I think that's what will end up happening and to be honest I think that's a good success because it would be the third year we're together.

"Even the fourth almost because we started out almost at the end of 2023. It's been a while that I've been developing, growing and learning with this team.

"I really love the trajectory we're on. We've had a rough patch recently but we've proved many times and will continue to prove we'll fight and punch above our weight."