Haas has replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the rest of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. The team gave no reason. A spokesperson said only that the late change was not due to illness.
Ocon drove in Friday practice. On Saturday morning, Haas confirmed that Hirakawa, 32, would take over. Hirakawa is with the team through its technical partnership with Toyota. Haas declined to say more and said it would not offer further details for now. It is unclear whether the swap extends beyond this weekend.
A Season Already Ending
Ocon was already due to leave Haas at the end of 2026. The team has confirmed that Ferrari junior Rafa Camara will take his seat next season. Ocon joined from Alpine at the start of 2025 and has struggled to match teammate Oliver Bearman since. He has not announced his next move but says he wants to stay in Formula 1 in some capacity.
Hamilton’s Words of Support
Earlier this week, Lewis Hamilton spoke warmly about Ocon. Hamilton was at Mercedes when Ocon was a junior driver there. “I think he’s one of the nicest guys here,” Hamilton said. “He’s a charming young lad.”
He admitted he did not know what Ocon’s situation had been like. “I could guess that it’s probably not been easy over the years. I think he remains positive.” Hamilton called Ocon “a very talented driver” who “deserves to be here.” He added: “When one door closes, it opens up new opportunities for something even better.”
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