News Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix
Ocon out of the car in Mexico: what happened at Haas on Friday night
Haas stood Esteban Ocon down before final practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix and gave no reason. This is what is confirmed, what is reported and what is still open.
Friday: it started on the radio
In second practice, Ocon and his race engineer Laura Müller had a tense exchange over the radio about a change to the tyre plan. He returned to the garage angry, with his helmet still on.
Nothing so far links that exchange to what happened later.
Friday evening: the meeting
Saturday: Haas decides
Before third practice, Haas announced that Ocon would not complete the weekend. The team gave no reason. It ruled out illness, and Komatsu declined to comment.
The replacement: Ryo Hirakawa
The Japanese reserve driver had already driven in first practice. He qualified 19th and starts his first Formula 1 race on Sunday.
Ocon responds
In a statement on X, Ocon acknowledged that "a difference of opinion" had led to a discussion with those involved, and asked for speculation to stop until the matter is dealt with.
I completely reject any talk of any form of physical violence being used.
After Mexico: the ending was already written
Ocon was already due to leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season, and the team has signed the Brazilian Rafael Câmara for 2027. Whether Ocon returns at the Brazilian Grand Prix has not been decided.
Quotes are translated from MENA Grand Prix's Arabic edition.
