F1: Haas sacks French driver Ocon ahead of Brazilian GP

Ocon, a veteran of 198 Grands Prix in a 10-year career with six different teams, had been replaced by Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa for the Mexico Grand Prix on the weekend after Ocon had taken part in both practice sessions on Friday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

French driver Esteban Ocon was on Tuesday sacked by American F1 team Haas, it was announced.

Ocon, a veteran of 198 Grands Prix in a 10-year career with six different teams, had been replaced by Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa for the Mexico Grand Prix on the weekend after Ocon had taken part in both practice sessions on Friday.

There were reports of a physical altercation between Komatsu and Ocon in Mexico over a disagreement on choice of tyres — something the Frenchman categorically rejected.

Team Principal Ayao Komatsu on Esteban Ocon 🗣️ #HaasF1 #F1 https://t.co/CqSN2jvlqz

— TGR Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) November 3, 2026

Haas had already announced last month that Ocon will be replaced next year by Brazilian Rafael Camara, who is a member of the Ferrari driver academy.

“Looking ahead, we’ve chosen Rafael Camara to drive alongside Ollie Bearman at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,” said Komatsu.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team this weekend and working with him through his Formula 1 debut driving the VF-26 in Brazil.”

After Sao Paulo, there are GPs at Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Published on Nov 04, 2026

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