Ayao Komatsu says Haas will decide its 2027 driver line-up within the next couple of weeks

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Haas has not finalized its 2027 driver line-up, but team principal Ayao Komatsu said a decision is expected “within the next couple of weeks.” Speaking on Thursday, Komatsu said no call has been made on Esteban Ocon’s future despite season-long speculation about whether the French driver will be retained.

Komatsu was responding after Ocon said ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he was “definitely a free agent for next year.” Komatsu said Haas has not finalized any option involving Ocon, adding that contract options reach a closing point during the year when teams must decide.

Asked about timing, Komatsu said the team has finished its evaluation work and now needs to summarize its findings, discuss them internally with owner Gene Haas, and then make a final decision. He said the process is still underway and did not indicate that any candidate has already been chosen.

Ollie Bearman is expected to remain with Haas for 2027, leaving the other seat open to several candidates. Haas has evaluated options including reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, F2 race winner and F3 champion Rafael Camara, and reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa, all of whom have tested with the team in recent weeks.

Komatsu said Haas is looking for raw speed and outright pace, but also strong team integration. He said that matters particularly for a smaller team, where motivation, character and the ability to help drive the group forward are important considerations.