Esteban Ocon's Haas Formula One career may have ended prematurely after the team dropped him during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa likely unavailable for the following round in Brazil.
Haas has offered little explanation for sending the Frenchman home from Mexico City, only confirming that he is not suffering from illness. A virus has been circulating in the paddock, affecting Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas, but the team stated Ocon did not catch it.
Ocon's Early Exit
Ocon missed FP1 so Hirakawa could complete a rookie session, returned for the second practice hour, and then was replaced again. Hirakawa drove in FP3 and qualifying on Saturday and is set to make his F1 race debut on Sunday.
This season was already known to be Ocon's last with Haas, as the team opted against renewing his contract and instead signed Ferrari academy driver Rafael Camara for a rookie seat. Ocon also left his previous team, Alpine, early in 2024, replaced by Jack Doohan for the final race of that season.
Brazil Availability Question
Hirakawa's participation in the Brazilian Grand Prix is in doubt because the race clashes with the final round of the World Endurance Championship at Monza, where he is due to compete for Toyota, Haas' title sponsor.
While Hirakawa could potentially negotiate using the Haas-Toyota relationship, Haas has other options if he is unavailable.
Potential Replacements
The most likely candidate is Jack Doohan, Haas' other reserve driver, who joined after being let go by Alpine. Doohan started only seven Grands Prix for Alpine before being replaced by Franco Colapinto.
Another option is Rafael Camara, who holds an FIA superlicence and could gain racing experience before his first full season. The team has not yet confirmed whether Ocon has been benched permanently or if this is a one-off situation.
