Haas have placed a block on reserve driver Jack Doohan representing them for the remainder of the Formula One season, after the team axed Esteban Ocon four races before the end of the campaign. The decision stems from a heated disagreement between Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu during last weekend's Mexican Grand Prix.
The exact details surrounding the decision to let Ocon go early remain unclear, but Komatsu has insisted it was a professional move. Taking Ocon's place in the Haas car this weekend will be Rafael Camara, who is set for his Formula One debut on home soil in Brazil.
Camara set for home debut
It will be a significant moment for Camara, who will make his debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Brazilian racing driver will also be driving for Haas full-time next season, having impressed in Formula Two.
However, as far as the remainder of this season is concerned, Haas have put a block on reserve driver Jack Doohan representing them. That is because they have already used four drivers for the season so far, which is the maximum allowed under FIA rules.
FIA rules limit driver usage
There are situations where teams can use a fifth driver, but that requires special dispensation from the FIA. It is particularly bad news for Doohan, who has not featured this year and no longer will get the chance to do so.
In the meantime, Haas are dealing with the fallout from Ocon's departure, with Komatsu having said: "At the end of the day I am the team principal and every decision I make is 'what do I need to do for the best interest of this team?'"
"In that sense it gives me clarity, I had clarity of what I needed to do. I have to make a decision purely based on professionalism. Every time I go back to that. Of course it is not easy but at least I am comfortable in myself..."
Komatsu defends decision
He added: "I can't go into any details but this is F1, every day is a new challenge. I take any new challenge as an opportunity to learn and do the right thing."
"Not to say the situation that happened in Mexico is something I look for. But again I've got a responsibility, so I have to stay 100% professional and a make a decision for the best of the team."
