BREAKING: Esteban Ocon pens multiyear deal with Haas to partner Oliver Bearman

Star Alpine driver Esteban Ocon has secured his future in Formula 1 beyond the end of the current season by signing a new contract with the Haas F1 Team. This move marks the end of his five-year stint with the Enstone-based team i.e. Alpine. This development comes a day before the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix 2024. 

Ocon's decision to join Haas comes after he was informed earlier this season that Alpine did not intend to renew his contract. Even before this revelation, Ocon had been exploring his options and held discussions with both Haas and Audi. Ultimately, he chose Haas, a decision influenced by Audi's primary focus on signing Carlos Sainz, who has yet to make a final decision about his future.

Several factors contributed to Ocon’s choice. Haas has shown an impressive improvement in performance during the 2024 season, making the team a more attractive option for the French driver. Additionally, the opportunity to work closely with Ayao Komatsu, Haas' team principal, played a significant role. Komatsu has expressed his interest in Ocon on numerous occasions, and this support likely helped solidify Ocon's decision.

Who will replace Esteban Ocon in Alpine?

Ocon’s contract with Haas is a multi-year deal, reflecting his confidence in the team’s potential and his commitment to contributing to its future successes. This new partnership will see Ocon team up with Oliver Bearman, who was also recently signed by Haas for a multi-year term starting in 2025.

At Alpine, the departure of Ocon has set off a search for a replacement, with Carlos Sainz being a prime target. However, if Sainz decides against joining Alpine, Jack Doohan is considered a strong candidate to fill the vacancy left by Ocon.

This signing signals significant changes in the Haas lineup for 2025 as Kevin Magnussen will leave the team at the end of this season. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg is set to depart after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, moving to Stake F1 as it transitions to Audi in the next two years.