Source: Official Team Post via X
David Croft Urges Ferrari to Consider Esteban Ocon Amid Haas Departure
David Croft suggests Ferrari should take on Esteban Ocon as a reserve driver after his unexpected departure from Haas. Following a fallout with Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu, Ocon's future in F1 remains uncertain.
Esteban Ocon's journey in Formula 1 seems to have hit a roadblock following his sudden exit from Haas. Although it was anticipated that the French driver would leave at the end of 2026, his departure was expedited due to a disagreement with team principal Ayao Komatsu during the Mexico race weekend. The situation turned physical after a setup change incident in FP2, prompting Haas to replace Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the rest of the weekend. Hirakawa, who had his first run in FP1, managed to secure a point by finishing tenth.
Haas has confirmed that Ocon will not return for the remainder of the season. Instead, Rafael Camara is set to make his F1 debut at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, stepping into Ocon's seat. However, the team's plans for the subsequent races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi remain unclear, casting doubt on Ocon's prospects for a full-time racing role in F1.
Ocon was once in contention for a position at Cadillac for the 2027 season, but the team appears to be leaning towards Colton Herta as a potential replacement for Valtteri Bottas. With his future hanging in the balance, Sky Sports commentator David Croft has floated the idea of Ocon joining Ferrari as a reserve driver. "Before the weekend began, I thought Esteban Ocon would make a brilliant third driver at Ferrari for next season," Croft remarked on The F1 Show.
Croft highlighted Ocon's existing connections within the Ferrari ecosystem, noting his previous stint as a reserve driver at Mercedes and his rapport with Lewis Hamilton. Furthermore, Ferrari's role as an engine supplier to Haas could facilitate a smoother integration. Croft also pointed out Ocon's potential ties with Aston Martin, courtesy of his relationship with the Stroll family, suggesting multiple avenues for Ocon to stay relevant in F1, despite the recent controversy at Haas which has undoubtedly impacted his reputation.
Meanwhile, tensions were high within Ferrari's camp during the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton's radio outburst drew the ire of Ralf Schumacher. Schumacher criticized Hamilton for his reaction to a first-lap incident with teammate Charles Leclerc, likening his behavior to that of a mob boss. The clash, which saw Hamilton drop from pole to P3, ultimately contributed to Ferrari's failure to secure a win, leaving Max Verstappen to take victory, with Hamilton finishing second and Kimi Antonelli clinching the championship.
Schumacher's disapproval extended to the aftermath of the incident, where he felt Hamilton's demands for a penalty against Leclerc were inappropriate. He voiced concerns about Hamilton's approach, suggesting it undermined the team's ethos. This sentiment was echoed by other pundits, who speculated that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was not pleased with Hamilton's actions either.
The unfolding drama at both Haas and Ferrari highlights the complex dynamics within F1 teams, where on-track incidents and off-track politics often intertwine, shaping the careers and reputations of drivers like Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton.