Haas replaces Ocon with Hirakawa for Mexico City GP weekend
Haas has replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. The team confirmed Ocon is not ill. Hirakawa, who drove FP1 on Friday, will make his Formula 1 race debut alongside Oliver Bearman. Ocon is already due to leave Haas at the end of the season.
Haas Confirms Driver Swap
Haas announced on Saturday morning that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.[1] The team stated that Hirakawa participated in Friday's first practice session and will now drive in final practice, qualifying, and the race alongside Oliver Bearman.[1] This marks Hirakawa's Formula 1 race debut.[2]
The team provided no further details on the reasons for the change.[3] A Haas spokesperson confirmed that Ocon is not ill.[3] The FIA approved the driver substitution request, allowing Hirakawa to take over car number 31 duties for the rest of the event.[2]
Ocon, who is already scheduled to depart Haas at the end of the 2026 season, drove in second practice on Friday before the switch was made.[1]
Background on the Change
Hirakawa, a two-time World Endurance Champion with Toyota, has completed multiple practice sessions for Haas this season.[2] The move comes with Ocon's exit already confirmed for 2027, when Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara is set to join the team.[3]
Related reading
- [1]Ryo Hirakawa to replace Ocon at Haas for remainder of Mexico City Grand Prix weekend (formula1). Accessed 2026-10-31.
- [2]Ocon replaced at Haas for rest of Mexico F1 weekend (the-race). Accessed 2026-10-31.
- [3]Esteban Ocon: Haas replace French driver with Ryo Hirakawa for remainder of Mexico City GP weekend (sky-sports). Accessed 2026-10-31.