Esteban Ocon has been dropped by Haas for the Mexico City Grand Prix just hours before qualifying, with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa stepping in for the remainder of the weekend. The decision follows a tense exchange between Ocon and his race engineer during Friday's practice session, raising questions about the Frenchman's immediate future in Formula 1.
Ocon, who is leaving the team at the end of the season, took part in Friday's practice but has been replaced by Hirakawa, who appeared in the other practice session yesterday. Haas announced the switch in a team statement without giving reasons, though it confirmed Ocon is not ill.
Team Statement Confirms Driver Swap
Haas announced the untimely switch in a team statement where they refused to go into any reasons behind the decision, although it was confirmed that Ocon is not ill. The statement read: “TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
“Ryo participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday, his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, finishing 15th overall. The Japanese driver will partner teammate Ollie Bearman through final practice and qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s 71-lap grand prix – marking Ryo's Formula 1 race debut. No further statements will be made at this time.”
Radio Dispute Precedes Axing
It comes after Ocon had a dispute with his race engineer Laura Mueller during the second practice session on Friday after tyre strategy and practice programmes. Mueller told Ocon they would be switching his current soft tyre programme to use the medium tyres on his race-simulation run because team-mate Bearman’s soft tyre run was “not great”.
Ocon was told “we have to do medium” when he asked for clarity on the change, seeing the 30-year-old reply: "No, no. I wanted the soft. Don't do that to me. Come on." As Ocon was wheeled back into the garage, he frustratingly said: “It is my turn this weekend come on.”
Future Uncertain After Removal
Haas have also moved to remove Ocon’s name, number and image from the garage, replacing them with Hirakawa’s. It raises serious questions about Ocon’s immediate future and whether he will race again for Haas this season given the strange timing of his axing and the fact he will not drive for the team next year.
Haas have already announced that F2 Championship leader Rafael Camara has signed a multi-year deal to replace Ocon and drive alongside Bearman next season. Meanwhile, Ocon is yet to secure a seat for 2027, and his F1 career is in doubt.
