Esteban Ocon Backs Camara’s Haas Promotion but Asserts His Own F1 Worth

Esteban Ocon, currently with Haas, finds himself at a career crossroad with the announcement that Rafael Camara will be joining the team for the 2027 season. While Ocon acknowledges Camara's talent and the opportunity he has earned, he remains resolute in his belief that he too deserves to continue racing in Formula 1.

Ocon has been aware for some time that his tenure with Haas is drawing to a close. At the United States Grand Prix in Austin, he dismissed the notion that this might be his final appearance at the circuit, affirming his commitment to stay in F1. "Don't say that," he countered when the idea was suggested. "I'm coming here to do the best job I can, try and exploit the maximum amount of the car. As I said, I deserve to be here in F1."

He attributes his departure not to a lack of performance but to other circumstances, underscoring his accomplishments across various racing categories, including Formula Renault, F3, GP3, and F1. "In all these categories, I've won races," Ocon noted, indicating that his competitive record should warrant continued participation in F1.

When questioned about Haas's decision to prefer a Ferrari junior driver, Ocon was diplomatic but firm, stating, "I can't say very much. What I will say is that Rafa deserves a shot in F1. I think he's shown in the junior categories that he's very good. But I don't deserve to be out of F1 at the same time."

With Ocon seeking a new seat for 2027, he refrained from naming which current drivers should make way for him, focusing instead on his results and contributions. "I'm not here to say who deserves to go and who doesn't," he remarked, "but just looking at the results, as I said, Rafa deserves a shot in F1 for sure."

Meanwhile, Ocon's teammate, Ollie Bearman, faces a different scenario with Camara's arrival. Bearman, familiar with Camara from their shared beginnings at Ferrari, sees the Brazilian's promotion as an opportunity for both drivers. "It's really cool," Bearman said of Camara's success in junior formulas, praising Haas as an excellent starting point for an F1 career.

Bearman also recognizes the potential for increased comparisons between himself and Camara given their shared Ferrari lineage. He is candid about his ambition to eventually join Ferrari's main team, acknowledging the importance of timing in such career moves. "Charles was there for one year," Bearman reflected, referencing Charles Leclerc's swift rise to Ferrari after a season with Sauber. "It's always a question of how timing looks, and yeah, that's the reality of F1."

For now, Bearman is focused on establishing himself as a team leader at Haas, a role he feels he has already begun to embrace this season. "I think this year has been a big step for myself," he stated, emphasizing the importance of experience in cementing his position within the team.

As the 2026 season nears its end, both Ocon and Bearman are looking ahead to 2027, albeit with different goals and challenges. Ocon is optimistic about his prospects, while Bearman is eager to consolidate his experience and capitalize on the opportunities that come with a new teammate. With their sights set on the future, both drivers remain integral to the ever-evolving story of Haas and its ambitions in Formula 1.