Esteban Ocon has been permanently dropped by the Haas Formula 1 team following a dispute with team leadership during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.
Driver Replacement and Team Statement
The Frenchman will be replaced at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix by Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara, who has already signed with the team for the 2027 season. Haas released a statement confirming that Ocon would no longer compete on its behalf for the remainder of the 2026 world championship.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that they had notified Ocon he would not return to a race seat with Haas this season. Komatsu acknowledged that such choices are never made lightly, mirroring the decision in Mexico City, but maintained that the move is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward. He added that the discussions between the team and the driver remain an internal matter.
Dispute and Fallout
The situation escalated after Ocon experienced a disagreement regarding tyre choice with race engineer Laura Mueller during Friday’s second practice session in Mexico City. He was subsequently stood down on Saturday morning and replaced by Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of that weekend.
Following reports in French media suggesting a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon ended abruptly and potentially physically, Ocon released a statement. He categorically rejected any allegations implying physical violence was used to resolve any differences, while acknowledging that a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion among the parties involved.
Ocon, who has competed in 198 grands prix since his 2016 debut and secured one victory, faces the prospect of being without a race seat for 2027 as remaining potential vacancies at Racing Bulls and Cadillac are reportedly not interested in his services. He is currently exploring a reserve driver role to remain active in the paddock.
Haas has not yet announced who will pilot the car in Ocon’s place for the remaining events following this weekend’s race in Sao Paulo.
