Haas unexpectedly replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix on Saturday, October 31, at the AutĂłdromo Hermanos RodrĂguez in Mexico City. The sudden decision means Ocon will miss final practice, qualifying and Sunday's 71-lap race, despite having participated in Friday's second practice session. Haas confirmed that the Frenchman was not being replaced because of illness but declined to explain the circumstances behind his withdrawal. The move has also created fresh uncertainty around the team's remaining driver arrangements, with Australian Jack Doohan potentially benefiting from the situation in Brazil.
What Happened
The announcement came on Saturday morning, shortly before the third practice session. Haas confirmed that Hirakawa would take over Ocon's VF-26 for the remaining sessions of the Mexican Grand Prix.
The decision was particularly surprising because Hirakawa had initially been in Mexico to fulfil his reserve-driver responsibilities. He drove in Friday's first practice session, allowing Ocon to return to the car for FP2. The Japanese driver finished that opening session 15th overall.
Ocon subsequently finished 13th in FP2, ahead of teammate Ollie Bearman. However, the session also featured an uncomfortable radio exchange with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre strategy.
Mueller informed Ocon that the team's plan had changed from a high-fuel run on soft tyres to a medium-tyre run. Ocon questioned the decision and expressed frustration about the change. His reaction attracted attention after he appeared visibly unhappy when returning to the Haas hospitality area.
Although the timing has encouraged speculation about a connection between the disagreement and his removal, Haas has not officially confirmed that the exchange caused the decision.
The Facts Confirmed
Haas released a short statement confirming the replacement and Hirakawa's responsibilities for the remainder of the weekend. The team also highlighted his experience with Toyota Gazoo Racing, including two FIA World Endurance Championship titles and victory at the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Replacement: Ryo Hirakawa takes Ocon's place for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
- Practice: Hirakawa participated in FP1 on Friday and finished 15th.
- Qualifying: He was assigned to partner Ollie Bearman for Saturday's qualifying session.
- Race: His appointment covers Sunday's 71-lap Mexican Grand Prix.
- Illness: Haas confirmed that Ocon's withdrawal was not related to illness.
- Next season: Brazilian driver Rafael Camara has already been announced as Ocon's replacement for 2027.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu addressed the situation when questioned by Sky Sports. He confirmed that Ocon was not ill but declined to discuss the details, explaining that the team's immediate priority was preparing Hirakawa for qualifying.
I canât tell you much but I can tell you heâs not ill.
The distinction matters: there is no published confirmation that Ocon has been permanently dismissed or that the team has terminated his existing arrangement.
Impact on the Team or Competition
Hirakawa's promotion gives Haas an unexpected new driver pairing for the Mexican Grand Prix, with the Japanese racer joining Bearman. It also represents a significant opportunity for a driver whose previous Formula 1 experience had largely come through practice outings and reserve duties.
His route to the sport's highest level has been different from the conventional junior single-seater pathway. Rather than progressing through Formula 2 and Formula 3, Hirakawa established his reputation in endurance racing, winning at Le Mans and becoming a two-time World Endurance Championship winner with Toyota.
For Ocon, the immediate consequence is the loss of an entire Grand Prix weekend. His departure from Haas was already scheduled for the end of 2026, following the team's decision to sign Rafael Camara for next season. The sudden timing, however, has raised questions about whether the Frenchman will compete again before the campaign finishes.
There is also a potential Australian angle. RacingNews365 reports that Jack Doohan is expected to be available as Haas's reserve option for the Brazilian Grand Prix and subsequent races. Hirakawa, meanwhile, is expected to attend Toyota's World Endurance Championship finale, creating a scheduling conflict with the Brazilian event.
That could give Doohan an opportunity to return to an F1 race seat. The Australian previously started the 2025 season as an Alpine race driver before losing his position to Franco Colapinto after six races. He also impressed Haas during testing, according to paddock information reported by RacingNews365.
How the Club or Athlete Responded
Haas has maintained a notably restrained public position. Komatsu declined to discuss the reasons for the change, concentrating instead on preparing Hirakawa for his unexpected opportunity.
Ocon had not issued a detailed public explanation of the decision in the supplied reports. His frustration during Friday's tyre-strategy discussion, however, was documented in the team radio exchange.
Former Formula 1 driver Olivier Panis criticised Haas's decision in a social media post. Panis described Ocon as a talented and consistent Grand Prix winner and argued that the decision was unfair. His reaction reflected the wider questions surrounding the timing of the replacement, although it does not establish the team's actual reasons.
Former F1 driver and analyst Karun Chandhok also suggested on Sky Sports F1 that tensions may have continued beyond the radio exchange and into subsequent team discussions. He pointed to Ocon's uncertain position following the announcement of his replacement for 2027 as possible context for the frustration.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus is Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix, where Hirakawa is scheduled to make his Formula 1 race debut. His performance will be particularly interesting given the limited preparation time and the unusual circumstances surrounding his promotion.
Beyond Mexico, Haas faces another driver decision. Hirakawa's expected participation in Toyota's World Endurance Championship finale conflicts with the Brazilian Grand Prix, potentially making Doohan an option for the team.
Rafael Camara remains the confirmed choice for Ocon's Haas seat in 2027. The Brazilian is currently competing in Formula 2, and the team has already committed to bringing him into its future line-up.
The bigger unanswered question concerns Ocon. Haas has not disclosed why he was removed, whether the decision extends beyond Mexico, or whether he will return for the remaining races. Until the team provides further information, the Frenchman's immediate Formula 1 future remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Esteban Ocon replaced at Haas?
Haas has not officially explained the decision. The replacement followed a tense Friday practice session, but the team has not confirmed that the disagreement over tyre strategy was responsible.
Who replaced Esteban Ocon in Mexico?
Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa replaced Ocon for the remainder of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.
Is Esteban Ocon injured or ill?
Haas confirmed that Ocon was not being replaced because of illness. No injury explanation was provided in the team's announcement.
Will Ryo Hirakawa make his F1 debut in Mexico?
Yes. Hirakawa is scheduled to make his Formula 1 Grand Prix debut at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix, partnering Ollie Bearman.
Could Jack Doohan replace Hirakawa in Brazil?
RacingNews365 reports that Australian driver Jack Doohan is expected to be Haas's reserve option for Brazil and subsequent races. Hirakawa has a scheduling conflict with Toyota's endurance racing commitments.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas in 2027?
Yes. Haas has announced that Rafael Camara will replace Ocon for the 2027 season. Ocon's plans beyond his current Haas contract have not been confirmed in the supplied reports.