Haas to decide on 2027 driver line-up within weeks — Channel NewsAsia

American Formula 1 team Haas plans to decide on its driver line-up for the 2027 season within the next few weeks. Team principal Ayao Komatsu said this in Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Decision on Ocon has not yet been made

Komatsu stressed that Haas has not yet made a final decision regarding next season. According to him, the team is continuing to align its plans for 2027. French driver Esteban Ocon, who joined Haas last year and races alongside Briton Oliver Bearman, previously said that he was in talks with other teams and considers himself a free agent.

The Haas team principal confirmed that retaining Ocon in the line-up also remains one of the possible options. He explained that the driver's situation has effectively not changed: each driver has a specified period during the year to make a decision regarding an option in their contract.

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Candidates for a seat at Haas

As Channel NewsAsia reports, Haas is evaluating several candidates. They include Brazilian Rafael Camara, who is backed by Ferrari and sits second in the Formula 2 championship; 2025 Formula 2 champion and McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli; Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, backed by Toyota; as well as current Haas reserve driver Jack Doohan.

Komatsu said the team conducted private tests of these drivers in cars from previous years. Haas has already completed its evaluation and will make its final choice after internal discussions and a conversation with team owner Gene Haas.