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Ayao Komatsu: Esteban Ocon axing ‘surprised everybody at Haas’

Ayao Komatsu says “everybody was surprised” when he told the Haas squad that Esteban Ocon wouldn’t compete for the outfit in Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix.Ocon was dropped by Haas after a falling-out following Friday practice at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.…

By Ben Vinel · Motorsport

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 1:13 PM

Key Things to Know

Ayao Komatsu said Haas team members were surprised by the mid-weekend decision to dismiss Esteban Ocon.
Ocon was dropped following a Friday practice disagreement with his race engineer at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Ryo Hirakawa filled in for Mexico, and rookie Rafael Camara makes his debut in Brazil alongside Oliver Bearman.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu revealed that everyone on the team was surprised when Esteban Ocon was abruptly dropped ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. Ocon was dismissed following a Friday practice disagreement over run plans with race engineer Laura Mueller. The French driver will not return to Haas for the remainder of the season.

Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa substituted for Ocon in Mexico, while 2027 recruit Rafael Camara makes his Formula 1 debut alongside Oliver Bearman at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Komatsu declined to provide further details regarding the dismissal, while Bearman expressed sympathy for his former teammate and welcomed the chance to work alongside Camara.

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