Ayao Komatsu said a decision on who will drive for Haas in 2027 is coming soon. Image: XPB Images
Team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed the American squad is nearing the end of its evaluation process, with a decision expected possibly as soon as the end of September.
Ocon revealed ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he was a “free agent” for next season and confirmed discussions were taking place with other teams as uncertainty continues over whether he will remain alongside Oliver Bearman.
Komatsu has now clarified that Haas has yet to make its final call.
“We haven’t made any decision yet but every driver has a closing point in the year to decide on options,” Komatsu said.
“[It] just means we haven’t decided on that option yet, but that was quite a long time ago. His [Ocon’s] situation hasn’t really changed, we’re still trying to find what we’re going to do for next year.”
Asked when Haas expected to settle the matter, Komatsu indicated an announcement was not far away.
“Soon, within the next couple of weeks,” he said.
“We’ve done all the evaluation, we’re just waiting to summarise our findings, have a discussion internally with Gene [Haas] and make the final decision.”
Komatsu gave a similar timeframe in a separate interview with Sky Sports F1, suggesting the team could have its plans locked in before the end of the month.
“I’d like to think we can make a decision soon, let’s say, by the end of this month,” he said.
“Very close.”
Bearman is expected to remain with Haas for a third season, leaving the focus firmly on who will occupy the second seat.
Ocon joined the team ahead of the 2025 season but has endured a difficult second campaign, scoring only three of Haas’ 21 points so far this year.
His position has come under increasing scrutiny as Haas evaluates several alternatives through its Testing of Previous Cars program.
Ferrari junior Rafael Camara and reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli have both driven for the team in recent outings, while Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa have also been given running.
Doohan returned to an F1 cockpit at Jerez earlier this week for his first Haas test since joining the team as a test and reserve driver ahead of this season.
Komatsu said outright pace would remain the first requirement when Haas makes its decision, but stressed the importance of finding a driver capable of integrating closely with the team.
“What we’re looking for in a driver, first and foremost, is the guy needs to have speed, the guy needs to be fast,” he said.
“That’s something that is their talent. We cannot teach them the speed, so [they] need to be fast, but really [they] need to be a team player and especially for a small team like us.
“The two drivers, the integration into the team, how they motivate and drive the team, is very important.
“It’s got to be a character that is very important for us, but I think it’s the same for any team, but maybe more for us like a small team.”
Ocon has meanwhile made clear he is keeping his options open while Haas completes its final deliberations.
“At the moment, I’m definitely a free agent for next year,” Ocon said in Baku.
“There are things in discussion that are out of my control.
“There are certain topics that are out of my control. So, I will keep pushing until the end of the year and see how it goes.”