Esteban Ocon Removed from Haas Race Seat as Driver Issues Thank‑You Statement

Haas has said the move served the team's best interest, leaving Ocon without a confirmed 2027 drive.

Overview

Haas unexpectedly removed Esteban Ocon from its race seat during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend and confirmed he will not return for the remainder of the 2026 season.
On Nov. 10 Ocon posted a fresh social‑media message thanking fans and colleagues and reiterated his desire to remain in Formula 1.
Ocon has denied reports that the dispute at the team became physical and described the split as a difference of viewpoint with team personnel.
Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa stood in for Ocon in Mexico and Ferrari academy driver Rafael Camara was fast‑tracked into race duties at São Paulo after being signed for 2027.
Coverage links the removal to on‑track underperformance versus team‑mate Oliver Bearman and a tyre‑strategy dispute with race engineering, and the result highlights how manufacturer‑linked academy drivers are reshaping the tight market for 2027 seats.