The Haas team has permanently removed Esteban Ocon from its ranks. Haas announced that Ocon "will no longer compete in their name in the 2026 World Championship", leaving the French driver without a race seat in the team.
At this week's São Paulo Grand Prix, Ocon will be replaced by Brazilian debutant Rafael Camara, whom the team has also signed for 2027. Ocon was replaced on Friday, following the free practice session ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. Haas did not provide details on what led to his removal in Mexico.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu stated in a Haas statement on Tuesday: "We have informed Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race in the Haas seat this season." He added: "Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City - but then, as now, we believe it is firmly in the best interests of a team moving forward." Komatsu also said: "The discussions that ultimately developed between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter and we will continue to respect the private nature of conversations behind closed doors."
Ocon was removed in Mexico on Saturday morning and was replaced by Haas's Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The decision to pull him came after he had a dispute with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre choice during the second free practice session on Friday. The following day, Ocon issued a statement noting that he "categorically rejects any reports or allegations that suggest any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any kind". He also acknowledged that a "difference in opinion led to discussions with the parties involved". His statement followed a report by France's L'Equipe, which stated that a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon "ended abruptly, perhaps even physically".
Ocon has contested 198 grands prix since his debut in 2016 and achieved one victory. He appears to be without a race seat for 2027. The only teams with potential free seats - Racing Bulls and Cadillac - are reportedly not interested in Ocon. Ocon is seeking a reserve driver role as a way to stay in the conversation in the paddock. Haas has not said who will drive in place of Ocon in the remaining races of the season after São Paulo this weekend.
