Haas replaces Ocon with Hirakawa for rest of Mexico GP

Haas has made a late driver change for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The Japanese driver will take over Ocon’s car for final practice, qualifying and Sunday’s race, partnering Oliver Bearman.

The team confirmed the switch after Ocon returned to the cockpit for second practice on Friday and finished 13th. Haas said the decision was not related to illness, but did not provide another explanation.

Hirakawa steps in for his first F1 race

Hirakawa had already driven the VF-26 in Friday’s opening practice, finishing 15th. That appearance was part of the rookie-session requirement and marked his third free-practice outing of the season.

The 32-year-old now gets his first start in Formula 1. He built much of his career in Japan, winning the 2017 Super GT title, before moving into the World Endurance Championship. With Toyota, he claimed two WEC championships and won the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Hirakawa joined Haas as its reserve driver in 2025, following a technical partnership between the team and Toyota. He has since taken part in seven FP1 sessions and was considered for a 2027 race seat before losing out to Rafael Camara.

Ocon’s future remains in focus

Ocon’s second practice session also drew attention after a disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller over whether to remain on soft tyres or switch to mediums. The decision to replace him comes as his longer-term Haas position is already under scrutiny. Read more about Ocon’s expected departure at the end of 2026 and the team’s choices in the 2027 driver market.

The source reports that Camara is set to replace Ocon, while Ocon is expected to become Aston Martin’s reserve driver in 2027. He joined Haas in 2025 and has been comfortably outscored by Bearman, according to the report. The abrupt change in Mexico brings an early end to Ocon’s track running this weekend, with Hirakawa now facing practice, qualifying and the race in his place.