BAKU, Azerbaijan – In a brief press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Haas Formula 1 team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed that the American outfit will decide its driver lineup for the 2027 season within the next couple of weeks. Komatsu emphasized that the team is still reviewing its options and has not yet reached a final decision.
Current roster under review
Haas entered the 2026 season with French driver Esteban Ocon, who announced on Wednesday that he is a “free agent” and is speaking with other teams about his future. Ocon, 30, joined Haas last year alongside British rookie Oliver Bearman, who is backed by Ferrari.
Komatsu said the team has been conducting private tests in older chassis with a shortlist of candidates. Those include:
- Rafael Camara – the Brazilian who is currently second in the Formula 2 championship and a Ferrari‑supported prospect.
- Leonardo Fornaroli – the 2025 Formula 2 champion who serves as a reserve driver for McLaren.
- Ryo Hirakawa – a Japanese racer backed by Toyota.
- Jack Doohan – Haas’s current reserve driver, who has also been evaluated in the tests.
“If that wasn’t the option, why do we test?” Komatsu asked rhetorically, underscoring that the testing program was designed to assess each driver’s performance and fit with the team.
Decision‑making process
Komatsu outlined the next steps: the team will summarize its findings, hold internal discussions, and consult with team owner Gene Haas before making a final announcement. When asked whether retaining Ocon remains a possibility, Komatsu replied, “Yes. Like I said, we haven’t made any decisions yet.”
Addressing Ocon’s free‑agent status, Komatsu explained that drivers typically have a set point in the season to decide their options. He noted that Ocon’s situation has not changed significantly since his earlier declaration.
Implications for Haas
The upcoming driver decision is critical for Haas as it seeks to improve its competitiveness on the grid. By evaluating a mix of experienced racers and rising stars, the team aims to build a lineup that can deliver stronger results in the 2027 championship.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely for the final roster, which could signal the direction Haas intends to take in the coming years. The team’s transparent approach to testing and evaluation reflects a commitment to merit‑based selection, aligning with the sport’s emphasis on performance and talent.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
