Haas permanently drops Esteban Ocon for rest of 2026 F1 season

Haas has permanently removed Esteban Ocon from its race seat for the remainder of the Formula 1 season, with Rafa Camara replacing him at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix. The decision follows Ocon being benched during last weekend's Mexico event after a reported confrontation with team boss Ayao Komatsu on the Friday.

Haas said it had notified Ocon that he would not return to a race seat this season. Komatsu said the decision was not taken lightly and was in the best interests of the team, adding that the conversations between the team and Ocon would remain private. Haas had already planned to replace Ocon with Camara in 2027, and that move has now been brought forward.

Ryo Hirakawa stepped in for Mexico on short notice and scored a point, finishing 10th after passing the two Williams drivers following the restart.