Taking to social media, Esteban Ocon has given a statement following Haas F1’s decision to drop him for the 2026 Mexico City GP.
On Saturday morning local time, Haas delivered a press release confirming that Ryō Hirakawa would be taking the Frenchman’s seat for the rest of the event.
In FP2 on Friday, Ocon was unhappy as he had a disagreement with his race engineer Laura Müller when she asked him to box for mediums during a long run. He had wanted to stay on the softs.
Haas said the following:
“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.”
A report by L’Equipe and posts online had suggested there was an alleged physical altercation between Esteban Ocon and Haas F1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, leading to the 2021 Hungarian GP winner releasing a statement after qualifying to strongly deny this. He also confirmed a meeting had taken place.
Esteban Ocon’s statement in full on the events of Friday at the 2026 F1 Mexico City GP
“Following the recent decision from Haas F1 Team confirming that I will not be participating in this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, I wish to formally address some media reports and speculation surrounding the situation.
“Last night, a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved. Whilst I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature.
“I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding.
“I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed.
“Further updates will be communicated in due course.”
