Haas Drops Esteban Ocon for Remainder of 2026 Formula 1 Season
French driver denies physical altercation with team principal after being replaced by reserve driver in Mexico.
KEY POINTS
- Haas removes Esteban Ocon from the team for the final four races of 2026
- Brazilian Rafael Camara will replace Ocon starting in Brazil
- Ocon denies physical altercation with team principal Ayao Komatsu
- Ryō Hirakawa replaced Ocon in Mexico and scored one point
- Haas says the decision serves the team's future interests
Haas F1 Team announced that Esteban Ocon will not compete for the team for the rest of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The American team made the decision public via social media.
Ocon was initially replaced by Japanese reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Hirakawa finished tenth in the race and scored one point for Haas.
“I categorically reject any information or accusations that any form of physical violence was used to settle disputes.”
The team has now named Brazilian Rafael Camara as Ocon's replacement for the final four races of the season. Camara will make his debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Ocon acknowledged that a difference of viewpoints led to a discussion with team members. He categorically denied rumors of a physical altercation with team principal Ayao Komatsu.
The French driver condemned violence in all forms and asked for speculation to stop while the situation is resolved. Haas did not confirm that the alleged altercation was the reason for his removal.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that the decision was made in the best interest of the team. He refused to provide details about internal discussions with the French driver.
The Mexico City Grand Prix took place between October 30 and November 1, 2026.
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