F1 trades: Grid shake up as star drops exit bombshell

F1 silly season was suspiciously quiet over the summer break with only Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc making headlines with contract extensions at their respective teams.

But the axe has finally fallen on the first driver for 2026 after Esteban Ocon confirmed he would be leaving Haas at season's end.

The Frenchman, who has endured a tricky campaign this season, is only in his second campaign with the F1 outfit, but reports of unrest behind the scenes and alleged preferential treatment towards his teammate Ollie Bearman appear to have severed the relationship.

Taking to his social media to confirm his plans, Ocon insisted this would not mark the end of his F1 career, despite having no seat locked in for 2027.

“My time with Haas F1 Team will come to an end at the end of the 2026 season," he wrote.

“I leave this project with my head held high and proud of my performances in what were not always the easiest of circumstances for various reasons and factors outside of my control.

“My immediate focus is the next race weekend. I will continue to work hard with the team, maximise every opportunity, and keep extracting every bit of performance from the car.

“I am still motivated. I am still hungry. This is absolutely not the end of my Formula 1 career.”

Haas are yet to announce who will replace Ocon but the open seat presents a huge opportunity for Australia's Jack Doohan who has test driven for the team this year.

Aston Martin veteran to go around again

Also making headlines this week is Fernando Alonso who has confirmed he will be retaining his seat for 2027 alongside Lance Stroll.

Incredibly, Alonso's decision to delay retirement lines him up for a 24th season in F1.

The 45-year-old is already the most experienced driver in the sport's history with 440 race starts.

Alonso's contract extension also makes him the highest paid Spanish athlete in history and the third best paid F1 driver ever behind Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen.

"Lance and Fernando have been a crucial part of our journey and we are very pleased to confirm that they will continue with us into the next chapter for the team," Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said.

"Having two drivers with their level of experience, commitment and knowledge provides tremendous value to the whole organisation.

"We are here to win, and whilst our short-term focus remains on improving performance, I believe we have the world-class talent we need to achieve our long-term objectives."

2027 drivers and teams

McLaren - Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri

Red Bull - Max Verstappen & Isack Hadjar

Ferrari - Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc

Mercedes - George Russell & Kimi Antonelli

Williams - Carlos Sainz & Alex Albon

Aston Martin - Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll

Audi - Nico Hulkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto

Alpine - Pierre Gasly & Franco Colapinto

Cadillac - Valtteri Bottas & Sergio Perez

Haas - Olli Bearman and ?

Racing Bulls - yet to be announced