Ocon risks suffering same F1 fate for second time in three years

Haas confirmed on Saturday that Hirakawa would take over Ocon's car for FP3, qualifying and Sunday's race in Mexico City. The Japanese driver, who participated in FP1 on Friday, will make his Formula 1 Grand Prix debut alongside Oliver Bearman.

The American team did not provide a clear explanation for the decision, with Ocon's participation in the remaining four races of the season still uncertain.

With the Frenchman already confirmed to be leaving Haas at the end of 2026, the possibility remains that his final appearance for the team came during Friday's second practice session in Mexico.

Should Ocon remain on the sidelines from next weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix until the season finale, it would not be the first time his Formula 1 campaign has ended prematurely.

A similar situation unfolded in December 2024, when Alpine decided to release the Frenchman ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, bringing his five-year spell with the Enstone-based outfit to an early conclusion.

Ocon's final race for Alpine was the Qatar Grand Prix, with reserve driver Jack Doohan stepping into the car at Yas Marina. The Australian was already confirmed as a full-time Alpine driver for 2025, making his debut one race earlier than originally planned.

The decision also allowed Ocon to participate in the post-season test with Haas, the team he was preparing to join for the following campaign. Two years later, the circumstances are different, but Ocon could find himself in a remarkably similar position.

His departure from Haas at the end of 2026 is already confirmed, with Rafael Camara set to join Bearman next season. However, unlike in 2024, the team has not announced whether the Mexican Grand Prix replacement will extend to the remaining rounds. With São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi still to come after Mexico, Ocon's immediate Formula 1 future remains unresolved.