Komatsu declines to assure Ocon's future with Haas.

      "Currently, everyone is on the lookout for drivers for next year."

      Ayao Komatsu has skillfully evaded inquiries concerning Esteban Ocon's future, while also indicating that Haas is reviewing its 2027 roster. These remarks follow Ocon's recent denial of claims that he could lose his seat before the conclusion of 2026, prompted by reports of internal strife and his perceived underperformance. The team principal defended the French driver in Montreal, condemning media speculation as shallow journalism. However, when questioned again about the team's future driver lineup during the Montreal event, Komatsu became more cautious.

      "We're likely to start considering the team's lineup around this time—May, June, July," he remarked. "I believe everyone is currently searching for drivers for next year, not just us, but all teams."

      When directly asked if he plans to retain Ocon and the highly regarded Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman together, Komatsu refrained from providing any confirmation. "I think responding to that question could create quite a reaction," he acknowledged. "People might take my words and assume, 'Oh, Ayao said this, so the decision is already made.' They will interpret that either as us keeping Esteban or letting him go. It will be completely misconstrued, so I won't answer that."

      This carefully crafted reply is likely to heighten speculation regarding Haas' intentions, especially with Bearman being increasingly associated with larger opportunities, Jack Doohan linked to the reserve role through Toyota, and several Formula 2 prospects reportedly under discussion within the team.