Why is Haas replacing Esteban Ocon in Mexico?

Haas confirmed the last-minute driver change but gave no specific reason in the available information. Ryo Hirakawa was named as Ocon’s replacement.

When will Ryo Hirakawa make his Formula 1 debut?

Hirakawa is due to make his first Formula 1 race start on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City. He had already driven the Haas car in Friday practice.

How fast was Hirakawa in the first Friday practice session?

Hirakawa set the 15th-fastest time. He had therefore already completed a practice session in the Haas before the confirmed driver change.

Haas driver change: Hirakawa replaces Ocon in Mexico

Mexico City, 31 October 2026

Formula 1 team Haas has announced at short notice that Esteban Ocon will be replaced by Ryo Hirakawa for the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City.

The switch took place on Friday ahead of the race. Haas said Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the Mexican Grand Prix. According to the team, this means the Japanese driver will not only take part in the race but will make his Formula 1 debut on Sunday.

Hirakawa already drove Ocon’s car in the first Friday practice session. In that session, his lap time placed him 15th overall in practice. The planned driver change had therefore effectively been prepared before Haas publicly announced the decision.

Haas benches Ocon for Mexican Grand Prix in favour of Hirakawa

Hirakawa’s first practice session

Impact on the Haas team

Open questions

Questions & Answers