Prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Haas announced it would be parting ways with Esteban Ocon at the end of the season, leaving the French driver without a seat next year.
As it stands, there are no open seats available for him, with Racing Bulls the only other team that is yet to confirm its lineup for 2027; however, the team is a Red Bull pathway and very rarely takes on drivers outside of its junior programme or talent pool.
During the FIA Press Conference, Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly were asked for their thoughts on Ocon’s situation ahead of the 2027 season.
Stroll has competed against Ocon for many years, dating back to karting during his junior career.
“Formula 1’s not always fair,” he said.
“Sometimes you’re in situations where it’s just s**t.
“He’s been great in Formula 1, and he’s had a lot of good results.”
Pierre Gasly also spent his junior career alongside Ocon, the pair having a notoriously complicated relationship which was often discussed when they were teammates at Alpine prior to Ocon’s switch to Haas.
“At the end of the day it should not take away the almost 200 starts he’s had in Formula 1,” he said.
“I don’t think many drivers have achieved that in their career, and it is still something to be very proud of.
“He didn’t have the easiest of seasons this year, but it’s not all down to him.”
