Haas drop Esteban Ocon for Mexico City GP as Ryo Hirakawa makes surprise F1 debut

Haas made a shock driver change on the Saturday morning of the Mexico City Grand Prix. Esteban Ocon was stood down for the rest of the weekend and reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took his place. The team said the decision had nothing to do with illness but did not explain it, saying it would make no further comment. Hirakawa, 32, now makes his Formula 1 race debut on Sunday alongside Oliver Bearman.

What happened

Ocon took part in Friday's practice running, although he had handed his car to Hirakawa for the first hour of the second session. He finished FP2 13th fastest, ahead of Bearman. Team radio from that session showed friction with race engineer Laura Mueller over a tyre change.

According to ESPN, Ocon had a heated discussion with team principal Ayao Komatsu on Friday evening. French newspaper L'Equipe later reported that the argument became physical. Ocon has denied this. In a statement he said "a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved", rejected the reports of violence and asked people not to speculate.

ESPN also reported, citing sources, that Ocon's time at Haas is over. Neither the team nor the driver has confirmed what happens beyond this weekend.

Ocon's exit was already planned

The Frenchman was already set to leave at the end of the season. Haas announced earlier in October that Ferrari junior Rafael Camara will join the team for 2027 on a multi-year deal. With four rounds left after Mexico (Sao Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi), it is unclear whether Ocon will race for Haas again.

It is not the first time Ocon's departure from a team has ended early. Alpine released him before the final round of 2024, ahead of his move to Haas.

Who is Ryo Hirakawa?

Hirakawa is one of the most successful endurance racers on the grid. With Toyota he has won the Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Endurance Championship twice. Haas has a technical partnership with Toyota, and Hirakawa has been the team's reserve driver, building up experience through Friday practice outings. Mexico was his ninth official F1 practice appearance with Haas.

His step up came at one of the hardest tracks on the calendar for a newcomer. The high altitude in Mexico City reduces downforce and makes cooling harder. On his qualifying debut he was eliminated in Q1, as were Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and both Cadillacs.

For Asian fans, Hirakawa's start adds a Japanese driver to the grid at a time when few Asian drivers race in F1. His result on Sunday will be followed closely in Japan and across the region.

What comes next

Haas have not said who will drive the second car at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on 8 November.

Key takeaways

• Haas replaced Esteban Ocon with Ryo Hirakawa for the rest of the Mexico City GP weekend and gave no reason.
• The team said the change was not due to illness. Ocon denied reports of a physical altercation.
• Ocon was already leaving at the end of 2026, with Rafael Camara joining Haas for 2027.
• Hirakawa, 32, is a Le Mans winner and two-time WEC champion with Toyota, and makes his F1 race debut on Sunday.

FAQ

Why was Esteban Ocon dropped for the Mexico City Grand Prix? Haas has not given a reason beyond saying it was not illness. Reports point to a dispute with team management on Friday evening, which Ocon has confirmed in general terms while denying any violence.

Who is replacing Ocon? Ryo Hirakawa, the Haas reserve driver and a Toyota endurance racer who has won Le Mans and two WEC titles.

Will Ocon race again for Haas in 2026? That has not been confirmed. ESPN reports his Haas tenure is over, but neither side has made an official statement about the remaining races.

Sources: ESPN, RaceFans, Sky Sports, Motorsport.com, PlanetF1