Big worry for F1 driver’s seat as news comes out just days before the Austrian GP.
A Formula One driver might be in trouble just before the Austrian Grand Prix.
The eighth race of the 2026 F1 season will be held at the beautiful Red Bull Ring, high up 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Styrian mountains.
This track, known for having the fewest corners on the calendar, will bring its own challenges, but the hot weather is also expected to affect the race.
On June 25, the FIA announced a heat warning for the weekend. This means drivers can wear a special cooling kit that circulates cold liquid under their fireproof suits to keep them cool.
However, drivers don’t have to wear the kit if they don’t want to, as many say it’s uncomfortable. If they choose not to, their cars must carry an extra 0.5 kg weight to keep things fair.
But the FIA’s heat decision isn’t the only big story. Reports say Esteban Ocon’s future in F1 might be in doubt.
Sources say Ferrari, Toyota, and McLaren are pushing Haas to consider their drivers for Ocon’s seat instead. Ferrari works closely with Haas and has Rafael Câmara in mind as a possible replacement. Toyota wants Yuki Tsunoda back on the grid, and McLaren’s reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli is also supported by Ferrari.
Ocon is currently 16th in the Drivers’ Championship with 3 points, while his teammate Oliver Bearman is 11th with 16 points. Ocon’s contract ends this season, but he didn’t seem worried about the rumors.
In an interview with RacingNews365, he said he has the team’s trust and isn’t bothered by what people say. He’s focused on doing his best and working with the team to improve.
He added, “People can say whatever they want. I’m just trying to do a good job for everyone. It’s been tough for the last few races. We scored some points but not as many as we want. We need to get back on track, and we’re working hard to make that happen.”
Ocon last stood on an F1 podium at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix and won his last race at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.