**Haas to Decide 2027 Driver Line-Up Within Weeks**
The American Formula One team Haas is currently in the process of evaluating several drivers for its 2027 line-up, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Team principal Ayao Komatsu made this announcement on Thursday, just a day after Esteban Ocon, the team’s current driver, declared himself a “free agent.”
During a press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Komatsu stated, “We haven’t made any decision yet. We still are trying to finalise what we’re going to do for next year.” This statement comes amid speculation regarding Ocon's future with the team, as he has indicated that he is exploring opportunities with other teams.
Ocon, 30, who joined Haas last year, has faced challenges this season, prompting discussions about his position within the team. Alongside him, British driver Oliver Bearman, who is backed by Ferrari, has also been part of Haas's driver line-up. Reports suggest that Ocon's potential departure has opened the door for new talent, with Brazilian driver Rafael Camara emerging as a frontrunner to take his place. Camara is currently second in the Formula 2 standings and has been identified by multiple media outlets as a strong candidate.
Komatsu confirmed that Haas is considering several options, including Camara, 2025 Formula Two champion Leonardo Fornaroli, Toyota-supported Japanese racer Ryo Hirakawa, and the team's current reserve driver, Jack Doohan. The team has conducted private tests with these drivers in older cars, which Komatsu noted was part of their evaluation process. “If that wasn’t the option, why do we test?” he remarked, indicating that the team is actively assessing their choices.
The decision-making process will involve discussions with team owner Gene Haas, as Komatsu emphasized the importance of summarizing their findings before finalizing the driver line-up. When asked if retaining Ocon was still a possibility, Komatsu responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes. Like I said, we haven’t made any decisions yet.”
Ocon's declaration as a “free agent” has sparked interest and speculation within the paddock. Komatsu explained that every driver has a timeline for deciding on their options, and Ocon’s situation remains unchanged despite his comments. “It just means that we haven’t decided on that option yet, but that was quite a long time ago,” he said.
As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, the Haas team is under pressure to solidify its future direction, especially with the 2027 season on the horizon. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the team as they weigh their options and determine the best path forward for their driver line-up.