F1 driver's seat under major threat as news drops days before Austrian GP

A Formula One driver's seat is reportedly under threat ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

The eighth race of the 2026 F1 season will take place at the picturesque Red Bull Ring, which is situated 700 metres above sea level and surrounded by the Styrian mountains.

While the unique circuit, which has the fewest corners of any track on the calendar, will provide its own challenges, soaring temperatures are also expected to impact the action.

On June 25, the FIA confirmed that a heat hazard had been declared ahead of the race weekend, meaning drivers can use a mandated cooling kit consisting of cooled liquid flowing through a pipe system beneath their fireproof race overalls.

However, drivers have the option of not wearing the kit, with many having previously claimed it is uncomfortable.

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If they decide against wearing it, their cars must carry a 0.5kg ballast to ensure they do not gain a performance advantage.

But the FIA's decision is not the only talking point heading into the event, as reports have surfaced suggesting Esteban Ocon's Formula One future is at risk.

According to Total Motorsport, Ferrari, Toyota and McLaren are reportedly putting his Haas seat under pressure by trying to convince the team to give one of their drivers the opportunity instead.

Of course, Ferrari already has a technical partnership with Haas. The Italian team have reportedly identified Rafael Câmara as Ocon's potential replacement should his seat become available.

Toyota are keen to see Yuki Tsunoda return to the grid, while McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli is also being backed by Ferrari.

Ocon is currently 16th in the Drivers' Championship on three points, while his team-mate, Oliver Bearman, is 11th on 16.

Ocon hits back at F1 exit rumours

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. However, he hit back at the speculation, claiming he does not "give a s**t" about what people are saying ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

Speaking to RacingNews365, he said: "I mean, I've got the trust of the team, I've got the trust of Ayao [Komatsu]. I think I discussed many of these topics already in Canada.

"I'm focused, with the team, on trying to improve the things we have control over. On my side, I'm trying to do the best we can and focus on the right things. People can say whatever the f**k they want, to be honest. I don't give a s**t.

"I'm just trying to do a good job for everyone. It's been three or four races that have been quite tough for the whole team. Of course, we've scored a few points, but not enough, and not what we want.

"We need to get back into shape, and we deserve it. Obviously, we're doing a lot of hard work, but it has yet to pay off."

Ocon last stood on the podium at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix during his time at Alpine. He last won a race at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.