Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner warned that Esteban Ocon faces the loss of his 2026 seat if he does not deliver a dramatic improvement before the season ends.
Steiner’s blunt assessment after the Canadian Grand Prix
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner pointed to Ocon’s 14th‑place finish in Montreal, noting the French driver was two to three laps down and suggesting his contract may not survive the year. “If he doesn’t change something drastically, he will not be there next year,” the ex‑team principal said.
Team principal Komatsu refutes alleged dispute
When journalists raised the possibility of a clash between Ocon and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, the latter dismissed the story as baseless. “I have no idea where that rumor originated; it’s absolute nonsense,” Komatsu declared in the paddock, adding that no argument occurred in Miami and that he had spoken with Ocon that morning without any tension.
On‑track results deepen the pressure on Ocon
Ocon entered Haas in 2025 alongside rookie Oliver Bearman, who amassed 41 points for 13th place, while Ocon finished 15th with 38 points. In 2026 Bearman has already collected 18 points after five rounds, whereas Ocon has managed only a single point, highlighting a stark performance gap that fuels the speculation about his future.
The convergence of a lackluster Canadian GP result, Steiner’s stark warning, and Komatsu’s denial of internal conflict places Esteban Ocon at a crossroads as the remaining races approach.
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