2026 Mexico City Grand Prix: Haas puts Hirakawa in

BBC Sport and other outlets reported Haas replaced Esteban Ocon with Ryo Hirakawa for the rest of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

BBC Sport reported that Ryo Hirakawa replaced Esteban Ocon for Haas for the rest of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Autosport, Motorsport.com and RaceFans also reported that Hirakawa took over for final practice, qualifying and Sunday’s race. Ocon came into the weekend 16th in the 2026 drivers' championship on seven points, while Hirakawa was 24th on zero.

BBC Sport also reported that Ocon denied claims his removal followed a physical altercation with team principal Ayao Komatsu. Autosport, Motorsport.com and RaceFans likewise reported his denial, while RaceFans said Ocon described the situation as a difference in viewpoints. The French driver had made 189 Formula 1 starts before the weekend, with one win and four podiums.

The change put Hirakawa alongside Oliver Bearman for his Formula 1 debut weekend with Haas. RaceFans reported that Hirakawa said he was surprised by the call-up and disappointed not to reach Q2, while Motorsport.com reported that late traffic on his final lap left him short of the second qualifying segment.