Haas replace Ocon with Hirakawa for Mexico City Grand Prix

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 1 Nov, 00:03 · Archive

Haas has replaced driver Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

Haas replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend without initially explaining the decision. The team confirmed Ocon was not ill. Hirakawa, a 32-year-old Japanese driver, will make his Formula 1 race debut in Mexico after nine practice session appearances.

The replacement came after Ocon had a dispute with his race engineer Laura Mueller during Friday's second practice session over tyre strategy. Mueller informed him that plans to run soft-compound tyres had been changed and he would use medium tyres instead, because his team-mate Oliver Bearman's soft-tyre run 'was not great'. Ocon objected, saying 'Don't do that to me'.

L'Equipe reported that a subsequent meeting between Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu ended abruptly, possibly involving physical contact. Ocon denied this in a social media statement, saying a 'difference in viewpoints led to a discussion' but 'categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used'. Haas declined to comment on whether the tyre dispute or its aftermath led to the driver change.

Ocon is leaving Haas at the end of the season and will be replaced by Brazilian driver Rafael Camara. Haas has not said whether Ocon will drive for the team at any remaining races this year.

How it is being reported

• Ocon denies reports of physical altercation behind droppingEsteban Ocon denies reports that his being dropped by Haas at the Mexico City Grand Prix was a consequence of a row with team principal Ayao Komatsu descending into a physical confrontation.BBC Sport · 31 Oct, 23:43
• Hirakawa replaces Ocon for Mexico City Grand PrixRyo Hirakawa will race for Haas at the Mexico City Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon.BBC Sport · 31 Oct, 15:05
• Haas replace Ocon for Mexico City GP without explanationEsteban Ocon has been replaced by Ryo Hirakawa at Haas for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix.Sky Sports · 31 Oct, 14:46

In this story: Esteban Ocon · Ryo Hirakawa · Haas · Mexico City · Oliver Bearman · Ayao Komatsu · Rafael Camara

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log