Overview
- Haas announced on Saturday that it removed Esteban Ocon from all Mexico Grand Prix activity and promoted reserve Ryo Hirakawa to drive in FP3, qualifying and the race.
- Hirakawa, a 32‑year‑old two‑time WEC champion and Le Mans winner, made his official F1 debut for Haas and was eliminated in Q1, classified around 19th on the grid.
- The team said the decision was not due to a health issue and declined further comment, prompting media reports linking the change to a tense FP2 radio exchange between Ocon and his engineer that Haas has not confirmed.
- On track, Lewis Hamilton took pole with a 1:16.514 lap, Franco Colapinto reached Q2 and will start 12th, and Sergio Pérez missed FP3 after Cadillac fitted a precautionary power‑unit change and will start at the back.
- The move comes after Haas already announced Ocon will lose his 2027 seat to Rafael Camara, and it could affect Haas’s setup, race strategy and internal dynamics as the team prepares for Sunday’s race.