Haas Confirms Ocon's Mexico Withdrawal Isn't Illness as Hirakawa Steps In

Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon's abrupt exit from the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend is not illness-related, but the team has declined to give the actual reason and says no further announcements are planned. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa takes over the car from FP3 onward, partnering Ollie Bearman for the rest of the round.

Why it matters:

The clarification lands because illness has swept through the paddock this weekend, with Kimi Antonelli, Valtteri Bottas and home hero Sergio Perez — marking his 300th start — all excused from media duties. With Ocon's Haas tenure already winding down ahead of a 2027 split, his unexplained absence invites fresh speculation about friction inside the Ayao Komatsu-led squad.

The details:

• Haas stated sickness is not the cause but offered no explanation, leaving the door open to theories ranging from a family matter to a deeper breakdown in his relationship with the team.
• Hirakawa, the 32-year-old rookie, has logged numerous FP1 sessions — including one earlier this weekend in Ocon's car — before being handed the remainder of the race weekend.
• Jack Doohan is also a Haas reserve, but it was Hirakawa who got the nod to partner Bearman.
• This isn't Ocon's first mid-weekend exit: in 2024 he left Alpine before the finale, clearing the way for his early Haas switch and the Abu Dhabi post-season test.

What's next:

Whether the withdrawal reflects internal tensions or something personal remains unclear. What is certain is that Hirakawa now has a prime audition in front of the team, while Ocon's Haas chapter appears to be closing faster than anyone expected.