In a sudden and unexpected development during the
The decision, which was confirmed by the team on Saturday, marks a rare instance of a driver change occurring mid-weekend. While the team provided little detail regarding the circumstances behind the move, they explicitly stated that Ocon’s departure from the cockpit was not due to illness. This clarification comes amidst a week where several other drivers, including championship leader Kimi Antonelli, have reportedly been unwell.
Hirakawa Steps Up After Friday Practice Appearance
Ryo Hirakawa, a former Le Mans 24-hour winner for Toyota, was already integrated into the team’s operations during the opening day of the Mexico weekend. He participated in the first practice session on Friday, taking over Ocon’s car to fulfill the team's mandatory requirement to provide track time to non-regular drivers. During that session, Hirakawa recorded the 15th-fastest time, before Ocon returned to the cockpit for the second practice session, where he finished 13th.
The sudden nature of the change has left questions regarding the team's long-term plans, as Haas has not yet confirmed who will occupy the seat for the upcoming race in Brazil. With four rounds remaining in the season following the Mexico Grand Prix, the team’s driver lineup remains in a state of flux.
Ocon’s Future and Team Transitions
Esteban Ocon, who secured his sole Formula 1 victory in 2021, is currently in the final stages of his two-year tenure with Haas. The 30-year-old French driver has previously expressed his desire to remain in the sport, potentially in a reserve capacity, as he prepares to depart the team at the end of the current campaign. This is not the first time Ocon has faced a mid-season departure; he was previously replaced by Jack Doohan at Alpine for the 2024 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as he prepared for his transition to Haas.
Looking toward the future, Haas has already begun shaping its roster for the next season, having recently signed Formula 2 leader Rafael Câmara. As the team navigates the remainder of the current calendar, the immediate focus shifts to how Hirakawa will perform in his maiden Grand Prix start.
