Haas F1 complete test with THREE rookie drivers as pressure mounts on Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon, Haas, Imola, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Silly Season

Haas F1 complete test with THREE rookie drivers as pressure mounts on Esteban Ocon

Might be tricky to pick one...

Chris Deeley Editor

Experienced sports writer covering F1 and other motorsports since 2023

Sunday 30 August 2026 10:00

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Haas have completed a three-day test at Portimao in Portugal this week, intended as a pseudo-tryout for a possible F1 race seat in 2027.

Esteban Ocon looks to be on the verge of losing his seat for next season, but his replacement's identity is yet to be determined – with this week's test expected to provide some clarity at least for Haas, if not publicly, although some reports have emerged post-test that all three drivers involved impressed the team.

That test, which started on Wednesday at Portimao, featured Ferrari Driver Academy youngster Rafael Camara, with McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli and Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa (currently Haas' reserve driver).

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Ferrari and McLaren both appear to be pushing hard for their drivers to be given one of just a small handful of realistically available race seats for 2027, while Toyota's partnership with the team gives Hirakawa a fighting chance too.

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Haas chief: We take driver interest as a compliment

Team boss Ayao Komatsu didn't shy away from the idea that his team are trying out potential new drivers, saying ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix: “I think it's really good that other people are actually interested in us.

“At the moment, we're not performing so well. We cannot challenge for points, but I think it's nice that other people can see the potential in us. Within the constraint how we're fighting and we're trying to improve the team. We just take it as a compliment that other drivers are interested.”

Ayao Komatsu - team trying out three potential future stars.

Komatsu also spoke to F1.com about the team's driver plans for next season in the days leading up to the test, a TPE (Testing of Previous Cars) event at the Portuguese track which will return to the calendar next season.

“We’re not in any rush," he said. "We’re focused on our two drivers, Ollie and Esteban, trying to get the best out of them. They’ve got the tough challenge, right?

“You know what they’re capable of. You know, Ollie has shown it repeatedly. Esteban, when he is happy with the car, you know what he can do.

“So we need to really just focus on providing them with the best possible car, best set-up adaptation, and get the best out of them. And then both of our drivers are fully focused.”

Haas boss: Being the smallest team is hard

“This is the biggest regulation change ever,” Komatsu explained. “So us being the smallest team, we expect that we’re going to really be struggling to keep up with the other big boys in the development race.

“We started the season extremely well, much better than anyone can think of, and then from that moment I think that’s the reality. With our constraints, we’re trying to develop the car as fast as possible, but the other guys are putting performance on the car faster than us. That’s the reality.

“Then, to be fair, honestly, it’s nothing against the guys in the team - they’re doing a fantastic job, they’re working together, and then for us to have a chance to keep up with the other guys, everything has to be perfect, right? Everything. In life, that’s not something you can ask for all the time.

“I really do think I need to provide them with a better environment, facilitate it, so that they can show what they’re capable of. I’m sure of that. But the good thing is those tough times show the character, right? And then there’s no blame culture.

“We looked at the problem: what’s the issue, where are we lacking downforce, why the drivability is not great, what are the drivers struggling with? We’re all on the same page, trying to fix the issue, trying to put performance on the car. But of course, again, that takes time.

“Lots of things we’re putting in place will take time for it to materialise, but we’ve just got to believe in ourselves, the teamwork, support each other, and we’ll get through it like we did the last two years.”

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Chris Deeley - Editor

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F1 Haas Esteban Ocon Ryo Hirakawa