Haas drops Esteban Ocon for the rest of the season

Esteban Ocon will not race for Haas again this season. The team confirmed his permanent removal after replacing him following Friday practice at the Mexico Grand Prix weekend, apparently amid a disagreement with team principal Ayao Komatsu. Rafael Camara will take his place alongside Ollie Bearman at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Haas has signed the Brazilian for 2027, bringing his promotion forward.

In a statement, Haas said Ocon would « no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 world championship ». Komatsu said the driver had been told he would not return to a Haas race seat this season. He defended the decision: « Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City — but then, as now, we feel this is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward. » Komatsu also called the discussions with Ocon an « internal matter » and said the team would respect the private nature of closed-door conversations.

Haas has not explained what led to Ocon’s removal in Mexico. The Frenchman was replaced on Saturday morning by the team’s Japanese reserve driver, Ryo Hirakawa. The following day, Ocon « categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences ». He acknowledged that « a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved ». His statement followed a report by a French media outlet that a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon had ended abruptly, perhaps even physically. That was a reported account, not a finding established by Haas. Ocon said the conversations between him and the team remained private.

The change began at the previous round in Mexico: after Friday practice, Ocon was replaced on Saturday by Hirakawa, who finished 10th at the Mexico City Grand Prix. This weekend, the Japanese driver is competing in the World Endurance Championship in Italy. Haas has not named the driver who will take Ocon’s place in the remaining races after Sao Paulo.

Camara, a Ferrari Academy driver and Formula 2 championship leader, had already been announced as Ocon’s replacement from 2027. He will make his Formula 1 debut in Sao Paulo, partnering Bearman. Ocon, who has competed in 198 grands prix since his 2016 debut and has one victory, also appears to be without a race seat for 2027: Racing Bulls and Cadillac, the only teams described as having potential vacancies, are reportedly not interested in him.