Haas swaps Esteban Ocon for Ryō Hirakawa for rest of Mexico City Grand Prix

Esteban Ocon was replaced for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix by Japanese driver Ryō Hirakawa, Haas announced on Friday. The team said Ocon would not take part in any further sessions and offered no additional comment. Hirakawa had already run in Friday's first practice, finishing 15th on the grid. Rumours about a physical clash between Ocon and the team circulated after his sudden exit, but the French driver used his social‑media account to deny any violence. He said a difference of viewpoint led to a discussion, that he rejects all allegations of physical aggression, and that he condemns violence in any form. Ocon also asked that speculation about the split be stopped while the matter is addressed. Earlier in the weekend, radio excerpts showed Ocon arguing with his race engineer Laura Mueller over a tyre change during second practice. Mueller warned that the high‑fuel run would switch to medium tyres because the soft tyres were deteriorating, but Ocon insisted on staying with the soft compound, claiming it was his turn that weekend. Mid‑weekend driver swaps are rare in Formula 1 and usually occur only when a driver is injured or ill. Ocon's departure follows a confirmation made two weeks earlier that he will not continue with Haas after the season, with Formula 2 driver Rafael Camara slated to take his seat in 2027.

Context

Mid‑weekend replacements are uncommon in F1, typically reserved for medical issues; Haas used the change to give Hirakawa track time and to prepare for the planned driver lineup shift.