Toyota Rejects Reports of 2027 WEC Seat for Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon’s Formula 1 prospects appear increasingly limited as Toyota has ruled out offering him a seat in the World Endurance Championship.

Following Haas’ official announcement that it will part ways with the 30-year-old French driver after the 2026 season, speculation has swirled regarding Ocon’s future plans. With Aston Martin confirming its commitment to Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, Cadillac remains Ocon’s primary remaining option in Formula 1.

Given these circumstances, rumors emerged suggesting Ocon might transition to the WEC, potentially joining Toyota. However, Toyota advisor Alexander Wurz has now explicitly dismissed these reports during an interview with Motorsport.com’s sister publication Formel1.de’s YouTube channel: “There’s nothing to these rumours.”

Wurz explained that Toyota typically plans its Le Mans and WEC program well in advance, with no intention of altering its current driver lineup. He emphasized the importance of team chemistry and long-term planning in endurance motorsport.

“Our approach is to plan relatively far ahead when it comes to Le Mans and our WEC program. We have long-term contracts in place, and our current six-driver lineup is settled for the upcoming season,” the Austrian stated.

#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, Ryo Hirakawa

Photo by: JEP

“One of Toyota’s key strengths lies in our established team structure and culture, which cannot be easily altered overnight. When you place three experienced drivers together, it requires time for them to develop mutual understanding, find optimal setups, and learn to collaborate effectively rather than compete internally. This dynamic is crucial to our success.”

“Moreover, we maintain long-term contracts with our drivers, and integrating a new driver externally would risk disrupting the culture we’ve carefully built and nurtured since 2012. Preserving this culture remains one of my primary responsibilities as an advisor working closely with the team and drivers.”

Toyota currently fields two cars in the WEC, with Mike Conway, Nyck de Vries, and Kamui Kobayashi competing in one entry, while Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa pilot the #8 car. The Japanese manufacturer recently secured victory at its home event in Fuji, with Hirakawa delivering a dramatic final stint to claim the win.

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