Explainer
Who will drive for Haas after Esteban Ocon's exit?
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On Friday in Mexico City, Ocon had a radio exchange with his engineer over tyre choice. On Saturday Haas pulled him from his car, saying only that he was not ill. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took over.
Mexico City
Team principal Ayao Komatsu said: We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season. L'Equipe reported a meeting may have ended physically. Ocon denied any physical violence but acknowledged a difference in viewpoints.
“We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season.”
Rafael Camara, already named for next season, makes his debut in Brazil at São Paulo alongside Ollie Bearman, his home race. Haas has not said whether he will race in Las Vegas. Both sides had confirmed in September that Ocon would leave at the end of the year; this weekend brings it forward.
Mexico City and São Paulo
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The story
Haas drops Esteban Ocon for rest of 2026 season and fast-tracks Rafael Camara to Brazil debutRead the article
Based on reports by
- The New York TimesHaas announce Esteban Ocon out for rest of season, Rafael Camara to make F1 debut
- europa pressHaas drops Esteban Ocon and brings forward Rafael Camara's debut
- BBCFormula 1: Esteban Ocon dropped by Haas after team row
- NOSF1 team Haas says goodbye to Ocon before end of season and moves Camara forward
- TelegraafFormula 1 team Haas confirms final break with Esteban Ocon, Brazilian Rafael Camara debuts in home race
- FanpageHaas without drivers on the Interlagos billboard: Ferrari's Camara can debut immediately in F1