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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 · Autosport

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 11:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that Esteban Ocon's sudden dismissal surprised the entire team.
Ocon was dropped following a Friday practice disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller in Mexico.
Ocon will not drive for Haas for the remainder of the Formula 1 season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu revealed that the squad was completely surprised by the sudden mid-season dismissal of Esteban Ocon ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. Ocon was dropped following a Friday practice disagreement over run plans with race engineer Laura Mueller. The team confirmed that the French driver will not return to race for Haas for the remainder of the season.

Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa substituted in Mexico, while 2027 recruit Rafael Camara makes his Formula 1 debut alongside Oliver Bearman at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Bearman expressed sympathy for Ocon while welcoming the arrival of Camara to push the team forward.

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