Esteban Ocon replaced by Haas for remainder of Mexico City GP weekend
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated:
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Haas have announced Esteban Ocon will miss the remainder of the Mexico City GP weekend, with reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa set to replace the Frenchman.
32-year-old Hirakawa, a two-time winner of the FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner with Toyota GAZOO Racing, has already participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend. In his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, the Japanese driver finished P15 overall.
In a shock announcement, Hirakawa will partner teammate Ollie Bearman through FP3 and Qualifying on Saturday, before taking on Sunday's 71-lap Grand Prix in what will be his Formula 1 race debut. At 32, Hirakawa will become the second oldest F1 debutant of the 21st century - behind only Andre Lotter for Caterham at the 2014 Belgian GP.
In their statement, Haas gave no comment as to why Ocon - set to be replaced by Rafa Camara in 2027 - has withdrawn from the Grand Prix weekend, and said no further statement will be made at this time.
However, GPblog have since learned the swap has not been brought on by any illness for the French driver, after several other competitors ill during the early stages of the Mexico City GP weekend.
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FIA confirm Ocon-Hirakawa swap
Photo: Race Pictures
The FIA have since released a statement confirmed Haas' request for a driver change, which the governing body say is subject to Hirakawa passing scrutineering requirements.
"The Stewards have received a request from TGR Haas F1 Team to change the driver of car 31, Esteban Ocon," the statement said.
"In accordance with Article B1.7.2 of the FIA F1 Regulations, the Stewards grant permission for the driver, Ryo Hirakawa, with the car number 50, to participate in the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon for the rest of the competition.
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The driver of car 50 is required to use the engine and tyres which were allocated to the original driver, Esteban Ocon as detailed under Article B1.7.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Further, this permission is subject to Ryo Hirakawa passing the scrutineering requirements."
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