Haas drops Esteban Ocon for F1 Mexico GP
The Haas Formula 1 team has made the shock decision to replace Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico Grand Prix weekend. Hirakawa will act as Oliver Bearman’s team-mate for final practice, qualifying and Sunday’s race, having also taken Ocon’s VF-26 on Friday morning as part of the rookie mandate for FP1 sessions. Ocon returned for second ... Keep reading
Haas has made an unexpected announcement for the Mexico Grand Prix weekend, opting to replace Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. Hirakawa, 32, will join Oliver Bearman as the team's second driver, having previously taken Ocon's VF-26 during the rookie sessions on Friday. The Japanese driver will compete in final practice, qualifying, and the race, marking his Formula 1 debut at the age of 32.
Ocon, who will be succeeded by Rafael Camara, experienced a similar situation during his time at Alpine, being replaced for the final race. Hirakawa, who spent most of his career in Japan and won two WEC titles, joined Haas as a reserve driver in 2025 following a partnership with Toyota.
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