Wolff explains Haas's decision to drop Ocon

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has given his first public view on the disagreement that led Haas to remove Esteban Ocon from its car for the remainder of the 2026 season. The split followed a heated radio exchange during practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and Wolff said team principal Ayao Komatsu had no choice but to act to protect the team from certain rhetoric.

Wolff said Ocon felt he had not been wrong in what he said, but that the team ultimately makes the decisions. Ryo Hirakawa deputised for Ocon at the Mexican race, and Rafael Camara will make his F1 debut at the São Paulo Grand Prix as Ocon's replacement.

Wolff, who has known Ocon since his junior career, also recalled how Mercedes helped manage his career and how Vasseur personally put up money to secure him a seat at Manor in 2016.