Esteban Ocon was dropped by Haas ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa stepping into the VF-26 for a sudden Formula 1 race debut while team tensions and questions over the remainder of the 2026 season mount.
Ryo Hirakawa Steps In for a Sudden Formula 1 Debut
When Ryo Hirakawa walked into the paddock at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, his schedule only called for a routine morning outing. The Japanese reserve driver had already completed his mandatory rookie duties during first practice on Friday. Hours before qualifying on Saturday, however, the team summoned him to take over Esteban Ocon’s car for the rest of the weekend.
The unexpected promotion turned a standard weekend into a frantic race against the clock. Hirakawa qualified nineteenth.
He secured a place on the grid for his first-ever grand prix start.
Obviously was a very big surprise this morning but I’m always here to be a reserve driver.
The 32-year-old brought a decorated endurance racing resume to his maiden grand prix appearance. As a factory driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing, Hirakawa claimed back-to-back FIA World Endurance Championship titles in 2022 and 2023 alongside an overall victory at the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours. That manufacturer tie-in placed him inside the Haas garage through a technical partnership.
Haas Benches Ocon Amid Team Radio Clashes
Haas offered no detailed explanation for benching Ocon, confirming only to ESPN and Sky Sports that the late driver change was unrelated to illness. Relationship strains deepened during Friday practice when Ocon clashed openly over team radio with race engineer Laura Mueller regarding a change in compound allocations.
Esteban Ocon Denies Physical Altercation Rumours
Speculation intensified after French publication L’Equipe reported that subsequent evening meetings between Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu deteriorated rapidly. In response to unverified rumors suggesting the discussion turned physical, Ocon published a formal statement on his Instagram account to set the record straight.
Last night, a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved. Whilst I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature.
The French driver added that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding
while requesting that media speculation cease while the situation is addressed.
Parallels to Previous Departure From Alpine
The sudden removal echoes the turbulent conclusion of Ocon’s tenure at Alpine in 2024. In 2024, the French constructor dropped Ocon ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The team installed driver Jack Doohan into the race seat early to accelerate his preparation for the following campaign.
| Departure Event | Team | Immediate Replacement | Scheduled Successor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Finale | Alpine | Jack Doohan | Jack Doohan |
| October 2026 Mexico GP | Haas | Ryo Hirakawa | Rafael Camara |
Unlike the Alpine separation—which was structured explicitly around an early contract release to facilitate Ocon’s transition to Haas—the American squad left the duration of Ocon’s current suspension unclarified. Ocon had already signed an agreement to leave Haas at the conclusion of 2026, with Ferrari junior and Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara already announced as his replacement for 2027.
Unresolved Grid Status for Upcoming Grands Prix
With four rounds remaining after Mexico City—including stops in São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—pundits and journalists have questioned whether Ocon will return to the cockpit.
Rafael Camara could be brought forward to make his Formula 1 debut as early as next weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. Such a move would solve an immediate logistical conflict for Haas. Ryo Hirakawa is scheduled to contest the World Endurance Championship season finale at Monza on November 8, directly conflicting with the race at Interlagos.