Contract negotiations have been ongoing between Esteban Ocon and Haas F1 Team for weeks. Talks accelerated after Ocon’s Alpine departure was officially announced, with the 27-year-old searching for alternatives. An agreement is now understood to have been reached between Ocon and Haas.
Esteban Ocon has spent 2024 exploring the market
After his relationship with Alpine deteriorated, it became imperative for Ocon to secure a contract for next season.
Of course, the Frenchman was already gauging interest from other teams prior to cutting ties with Alpine.
Before the season began, Ocon made clear at Alpine’s pre-season launch that his links to Mercedes remain intact. He was beginning to posture himself to be an active player in this year’s “silly season” merry-go-round.
Whilst Ocon was never a front-runner to join Mercedes, his comments were still significant.
His early-year statements demonstrated a willingness to look at alternatives to Alpine, a team whose trajectory leaves little to be desired.
Haas the logical next step
A few teams have shown interest in the Grand Prix winner’s services this year. Among them are Williams and Sauber, who both reportedly held preliminary talks with him.
However, other drivers are slightly higher on the priority list for these teams.
Meanwhile, Ocon has been the favourite to sign a contract with Haas for some time. An announcement confirming a multi-year deal is expected in the near future.
Not only does Haas offer Ocon a chance to stay in Formula 1, but they can also provide a competitive car for at least the next eighteen months.
His progress will also be closely followed by Ferrari, who will be eager to observe Bearman’s performance relative to the Frenchman.
Kevin Magnussen, who is currently driving for Ayao Komatsu’s team, was also under consideration to earn an extension.
Unfortunately for the Dane, the American squad looks to have committed to an all-new driver partnership for next year’s campaign.
Magnussen to lose his seat
After an extensive career in Formula 1, consisting of seven seasons with Haas, Magnussen’s chances of continuing with the team seem to have dissipated.
Despite contributing impressively to the team over an extended period, Esteban Ocon is seen as a better option moving forward.
The Frenchman is a few years younger than the Dane and is perceived as the faster driver to some in the paddock.
Perhaps more significantly, the former McLaren driver’s reputation for being relatively inconsistent wouldn’t have helped his cause.
The 31-year-old’s deficit to Nico Hulkenberg has likely been too big to make a convincing case to Ayao Komatsu and Gene Haas.
Returning to Ocon, joining Haas is a solid short-term option. There is every reason for the US suadd to outperform Alpine for the next eighteen months.
However, if Ocon aspires to drive for a front-running team, he must make a big impression at Haas in the next few years.
