![\"Haas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/XPB_1437975_HiRes.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAyao Komatsu said a decision on who will drive for Haas in 2027 is coming soon. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAyao Komatsu said a decision on who will drive for Haas in 2027 is coming soon. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ocon revealed ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he was a \u201cfree agent\u201d<\/a> for next season and confirmed discussions were taking place with other teams as uncertainty continues over whether he will remain alongside Oliver Bearman.<\/p>\n Komatsu has now clarified that Haas has yet to make its final call.<\/p>\n \u201cWe haven\u2019t made any decision yet but every driver has a closing point in the year to decide on options,\u201d Komatsu said.<\/p>\n \u201c[It] just means we haven\u2019t decided on that option yet, but that was quite a long time ago. His [Ocon\u2019s] situation hasn\u2019t really changed, we\u2019re still trying to find what we\u2019re going to do for next year.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked when Haas expected to settle the matter, Komatsu indicated an announcement was not far away.<\/p>\n \u201cSoon, within the next couple of weeks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve done all the evaluation, we\u2019re just waiting to summarise our findings, have a discussion internally with Gene [Haas] and make the final decision.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to think we can make a decision soon, let\u2019s say, by the end of this month,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cVery close.\u201d<\/p>\n Bearman is expected to remain with Haas for a third season, leaving the focus firmly on who will occupy the second seat.<\/p>\n Ocon joined the team ahead of the 2025 season but has endured a difficult second campaign, scoring only three of Haas\u2019 21 points so far this year.<\/p>\n His position has come under increasing scrutiny as Haas evaluates several alternatives through its Testing of Previous Cars program.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n