Haas has unexpectedly replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, offering no detailed explanation for the decision.
Ocon participated in Friday practice before Haas confirmed on Saturday morning that Hirakawa would take over the car for the rest of the event. The team said the change was not related to illness but declined to provide further details.
Hirakawa, 32, had already driven Ocon's car during the first practice session on Friday as part of Haas' technical partnership with Toyota. The Japanese driver is now set to make his Formula 1 race debut on Sunday.
Tensions Between Ocon and Haas Reportedly Growing
The sudden change comes amid reports of a deteriorating relationship between Ocon and Haas in recent months.
According to ESPN, multiple sources familiar with the situation described increasing tensions between the French driver and the team. Ocon's relationship with Haas had reportedly been difficult even before the latest disagreements.
Tension was also apparent during Friday's second practice session, when Ocon questioned a change to his running plan.
Race engineer Laura Mueller informed him that the team had switched his planned high-fuel run to medium tires after reviewing tire performance data from teammate Oliver Bearman's car.
Ocon responded by questioning the decision and insisting he had wanted to use soft tires.
“It is my turn this weekend. Come on,” Ocon said over team radio.
Although the exchange was not openly confrontational, it added to speculation about the working relationship between the driver and the team.
Ocon's Haas Future Already Decided
Ocon joined Haas from Alpine ahead of the 2025 season, but he has struggled to match Bearman's performances during their time as teammates.
Haas has already confirmed that Ocon will leave at the end of 2026 and be replaced by Ferrari junior driver Rafa Camara for the 2027 season.
The Mexico City decision raises questions about whether the separation between Ocon and Haas could extend beyond the current race weekend. However, the team has not confirmed any further changes to his status.
Ocon has yet to announce his next move but has expressed a desire to remain involved in Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton Offers Support
Lewis Hamilton, who knew Ocon from his time as a Mercedes junior driver, offered words of support ahead of the Mexico City event.
“I think he's one of the nicest guys here,” Hamilton said, describing Ocon as a talented driver who deserved to remain in Formula 1.
Hamilton acknowledged that Ocon's future was uncertain but encouraged him to view the situation as an opportunity for a fresh start.
Ocon's immediate future remains unclear following Haas' decision, with the team yet to explain why it made the late driver change.
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