Esteban Ocon dropped by Haas for rest of 2026 F1 season after row with Ayao Komatsu

Esteban Ocon has been dropped by Haas for the rest of the Formula 1 season following a falling-out with team principal Ayao Komatsu after Friday practice in Mexico City. The 30-year-old was already due to leave Haas at the end of the year, with little prospect of a seat for next season, but the dispute has brought his departure forward by a few races.

The row began when Ocon objected over team radio to a change in his run plan from soft to medium tyres for his race-simulation run. The argument reportedly continued after the session. Ocon has since said that a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion, while categorically rejecting any suggestion of physical violence. Lawyers are now reported to be involved.

Ocon now faces a year out of the sport, with the aim of securing a reserve driver role as he works to rebuild his career. Haas had not commented further at the time of the report.