Photo via Crash.net

Did race engineer dispute lead to Esteban Ocon’s sudden Haas benching at F1 Mexico GP?

Haas has removed Esteban Ocon from their driver lineup for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix, replacing him with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The team confirmed the change ahead of Saturday's final practice session, explicitly stating that the decision was not related to any health issues.

This sudden personnel shift follows a heated radio disagreement between Ocon and his race engineer, Laura Mueller, regarding tire strategy during Friday's second practice session. While team principal Ayao Komatsu declined to provide specific reasons for the benching, speculation persists regarding Ocon's future with the team for the final four races of the season.

Ryo Hirakawa, a Toyota Gazoo Racing veteran and Le Mans winner, will make his Formula 1 debut alongside teammate Ollie Bearman. Haas has already confirmed that Rafael Camara will join the team for the 2027 season, though the team has not yet clarified if he will take over the seat before the current campaign concludes.

Up nextFormula 1· 2h ago

Isack Hadjar warned for misconduct after pushing fan in F1 Mexico GP paddock