Struggling F1 star Kevin Magnussen AXED as Haas ‘sign’ Esteban Ocon

Mystery Driver, Team Logos, Generic, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Struggling F1 star AXED as team ‘sign’ replacement

An F1 team could axe their current driver from their lineup

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Friday 12 July 2024 18:57 Updated: 20:01

A struggling F1 star has reportedly been axed from their current team and replaced him with a rival driver for the 2025 season.

The grid will shift dramatically next season, with this year’s driver market more fluid than ever, catalysed by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

F1 HEADLINES: Horner admits Verstappen struggle as ‘DREAM’ Ricciardo seat revealed

Article continues under video

As a result Carlos Sainz has been left searching for a seat, alongside other drivers who are all eyeing their best options for 2026's regulation changes.

Major announcements have already been made this season, with Nico Hulkenberg moving to Sauber/Audi, and Esteban Ocon departing from Alpine.

Where will Esteban Ocon compete in 2025?

According to French outlet L’Equipe, their sources have revealed that Ocon will switch from Alpine to Haas next season.

The American team have already confirmed that Ollie Bearman will race for the team next year, and if Ocon joins the team it leaves current incumbent Kevin Magnussen without a seat.

Haas’ final choice for the seat has been reportedly been weighed up between Ocon and Sauber's Valtteri Bottas.

If Esteban Ocon joins Haas it leaves Kevin Magnussen without an F1 seat

With Bottas and Sainz still key players in the driver market, Magnussen's options remain narrow if he is displaced from Haas.

The Dane has had a disappointing season in comparison to his team-mate Hulkenberg, who has achieved a series of impressive points finishes including back-to-back P6’s in Austria and at Silverstone.

In addition to his poor performances, Magnussen was also involved in a dramatic collision at the Monaco Grand Prix which saw him DNF alongside Sergio Perez and his team-mate.

Haas currently sit seventh in the constructors’ championship and will be looking to ensure stability to their future line-up to climb up the standings.