Ocon hits back with 'one of the best out there' claim as Haas reportedly tells him he's out

Ocon's future in F1 is unclear, with the American outfit actively evaluating alternatives, including Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, who has emerged as the frontrunner to partner Oliver Bearman.

That does not match what Haas has said in public. The team insists no decision has been made, and it says it will settle its 2027 line-up within weeks.

Ocon's weekend began badly. As GPblog reported when a yellow flag in qualifying cost him. It left him in P14 on a day when Q3 was on the cards.

Saturday's race went much better. Ocon stayed out of the chaos in Baku and finished eighth, the first time he had scored points since the Monaco Grand Prix back in June. It was also only his third top-ten finish, although the Frenchman came agonisingly close to seventh after Arvid Lindblad edged him to the line by just 0.03 seconds. Bearman came home ninth, one place behind him, to give Haas points with both cars.

Asked whether the result showed he can deliver when the VF-26 is quick, Ocon answered "Yeah" and then made his case for staying in F1.

He finished with a line that left no doubt about how he sees himself: "I'm one of the best out there and I'm not afraid to say it."

On Wednesday Ocon had admitted "At the moment, I'm definitely a free agent for next year". At Thursday's FIA press conference, the Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu responded: "We haven't made any decision yet".

Komatsu confirmed that Haas had let the option on Ocon's contract pass without taking it up. He did not accept that this meant the decision was made. Asked if it is still an option for Ocon to remain with the team in 2027, Komatsu replied: "Yes. Like I said, we haven't made any decisions yet."

Several drivers are chasing the seat. Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, F2 race winner and F3 champion Rafael Camara, as well as Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa, have all tested with the team in recent weeks and been assessed.

Haas is one of just three teams yet to have confirmed a full 2027 line-up, along with Racing Bulls and Aston Martin. Camara has the backing of engine supplier Ferrari, but Komatsu emphasised that performance would be key to his decision.

The next two weeks look decisive. Ocon has taken the strongest result of his season into the next rounds, yet it could all be in vain for his hopes of staying in F1.