Haas Replaces Ocon With Hirakawa for Rest of Mexico GP Weekend
Haas has dropped Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, handing reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa his Formula 1 race debut.
Haas has dropped Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, handing reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa his Formula 1 race debut. The abrupt switch leaves Hirakawa to tackle qualifying and Sunday’s 71-lap race alongside Ollie Bearman, with no explanation from the team beyond confirming Ocon is not ill.
Haas announced the change on Saturday morning, ahead of final practice and qualifying. Ocon had driven in Friday practice; Hirakawa also took part in first practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, finishing 15th in the VF-26.
A sudden change, with no stated reason
The team said Hirakawa would replace Ocon for the rest of the weekend and would partner Bearman. It offered no further details, while a spokesperson ruled out illness as the reason for Ocon’s withdrawal.
Ocon’s relationship with Haas had reportedly deteriorated in recent months. He is already set to leave the team at the end of 2026, and Haas has announced that Brazilian Rafael Camara will drive alongside Bearman next season. But the team has not said whether those circumstances played any role in Saturday’s decision.
Ocon had a difficult Friday in Mexico and had voiced dissatisfaction. The precise reason remains unclear.
Hirakawa faces an immediate test
The Japanese driver, 32, brings substantial endurance-racing experience: he is a two-time FIA World Endurance Championship winner and has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota Gazoo Racing. He has also driven the Haas VF-26 in three free-practice outings this season, including Friday’s session in Mexico.
That experience gives him some familiarity with the car, but the switch puts him straight into qualifying and a full grand prix without prior F1 race experience. A late change can also complicate a team’s preparation: Haas must now work with a different driver’s feedback as it finalizes its setup and prepares for the race.
Hirakawa’s first major test comes in qualifying. His F1 debut is scheduled for Sunday’s 71-lap Mexico City Grand Prix.
