Ocon Replaced by Hirakawa in Mexico GP Amid Tensions

Esteban Ocon was replaced by Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix after a tense radio exchange during Friday practice. Hirakawa, who had participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday, his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, will replace Ocon for the rest of the weekend.

During the second practice session, Ocon and Haas race engineer Laura Muller had a disagreement over tire strategy. Ocon requested soft tires for his long run, while Muller informed him that medium tires would be used instead.

Ocon questioned whether he would still be running soft tires, to which Muller confirmed medium tires. Ocon expressed frustration, stating, 'No, no. I want to do soft... don't do that to me, come on.' His final comment as his car was being wheeled back to the garage was, 'Yeah, it is my turn this weekend, so come on.'

Haas issued a statement confirming Ocon's withdrawal from the race weekend, stating that Hirakawa would replace him. The team provided no official reason for the decision and made no further comments, despite not explaining the exact cause.

Hirakawa will partner team-mate Ollie Bearman in final practice and qualifying, marking his Formula 1 race debut. Haas have already announced he will not drive for them in 2027, with Ferrari junior driver Rafael Camara to replace him.

It is unclear whether the radio exchange played a role in Haas' decision, though the incident highlights tensions between Ocon and the team in the hours before the call.