Explainer
Who is Ryo Hirakawa, the reserve driver replacing Esteban Ocon?
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Haas dropped Esteban Ocon in Mexico City, ahead of third practice, and gave no reason, saying only that he is not ill. Adnkronos reports he aired displeasure over strategy on the team radio, and calls a strained relationship a likely explanation. Haas has confirmed no cause.
Mexico City
Ryo Hirakawa, thirty-two, is Haas's reserve driver, a two-time endurance world champion, and a Le Mans winner with Toyota. In Friday's first practice he finished 15th of twenty-two. Sunday is his race debut.
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Ocon also lost his Alpine seat in 2024, for the final race, to Jack Doohan. Now Haas has dropped him at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.
- 2024Makes way for Doohan, Alpine, Abu Dhabi
- 2026Haas drops Ocon for Mexico
Ocon has scored 7 points this season, and Rafael Camara is expected to take his seat next year.
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The story
Haas drops Esteban Ocon from Mexican GP, Ryo Hirakawa makes F1 race debutRead the article
Based on reports by
- ANSA.itIn Mexico Ocon benched by Haas, in his place Hirakawa
- AdnkronosFormula 1, Haas excludes Ocon from the Mexican GP: Hirakawa in his place
- LaSextaHaas removes Esteban Ocon in Mexico: “We will make no statements”
- FocusSurprising driver change in Formula 1: Ocon not allowed to drive in Mexico, team gives no reasons
- NOSNo Ocon in remainder of Mexico City GP for F1 team Haas, Hirakawa his replacement
- FanpageEsteban Ocon will not race the Mexican GP, Haas replaces him with Hirakawa who will make his F1 debut at 32