Haas has released a statement confirming that development driver Ryō Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.
The shock announcement follows what appeared to be a terse exchange between Ocon and his radio engineer during practice on Friday.
Ocon has effectively been driving for his career in recent races, as Haas opted not to renew his contract for 2027, following speculation of a tense atmosphere within the team.
The statement from Haas does not make clear if this applies to the Mexico City GP only, or if Ocon will return for Brazil.
Having taken part in FP1 in Mexico, Hirakawa enters the rest of the weekend with a foundation to build on, and has one more practice session before qualifying to master setup.
Full statement from Haas
“October 31, 2026 – TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November.
Hirakawa (32), a two-time winner of the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022, 2023) and 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner (2022) with Toyota GAZOO Racing, participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday 30 October – his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, finishing 15th overall.
The Japanese driver will partner teammate Ollie Bearman through final practice and qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s 71-lap grand prix – Hirakawa’s Formula 1 race debut.
No further statements will be made at this time.”
Haas’s statement raises more questions than it answers, as the team doesn’t confirm any details beyond the driver switch, the team later confirming in a follow up the decision is not due to illness.
The decision presents a unique opportunity for Hirakawa, as the Japanese driver will now make his F1 debut, albeit under unusual circumstances.
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