Haas Formula 1® Team has announced a significant driver change for the remainder of the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix weekend, replacing Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. This decision affects the final practice, qualifying, and the race itself, marking a notable moment in the season.
Ryo Hirakawa, who will partner Oliver Bearman at Haas for the rest of the weekend, is set to make his Formula 1® race debut at the age of 32. Hirakawa has already gained some experience this season by participating in FP1 sessions under the rookie mandate, including finishing 15th in FP1 at the Mexico City circuit. Meanwhile, Ocon took part in FP2, finishing 13th, but reportedly had a disagreement with his race engineer regarding tyre strategy. Haas clarified that the replacement is not due to illness but declined to provide further details.
The move echoes Ocon’s situation in 2024 when Alpine replaced him with Jack Doohan for the Abu Dhabi finale. Since joining Haas in 2025, Ocon’s tenure has been challenging, with his teammate Oliver Bearman generally outperforming him. Looking ahead, Ocon is expected to take on a reserve driver role at Aston Martin in 2027, while Haas plans to bring in Rafael Camara to fill his race seat next season.
Hirakawa brings a strong racing background to his Formula 1® debut, having been the 2017 Super GT champion and a two-time World Endurance Champion with Toyota, including a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His experience in endurance racing adds an interesting dynamic to Haas’s lineup for this weekend.
Esteban Ocon has publicly denied rumors of any physical altercation related to his replacement, though details remain limited. The team’s official statement refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind the decision beyond confirming it was not health-related.
With Hirakawa stepping in, Haas will field a driver pairing that combines youth and experience, as Oliver Bearman continues his campaign alongside the seasoned Japanese driver. This change adds an unexpected element to the Mexico Grand Prix weekend, offering fans a fresh perspective on Haas’s approach during this phase of the season.
The situation highlights the ongoing shifts within the Haas team’s driver lineup as they prepare for the 2027 season, with Rafael Camara set to join the squad. Meanwhile, Ocon’s future role at Aston Martin as a reserve driver signals a new chapter in his Formula 1® career following a difficult period at Haas.