Haas have made a late driver change for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, replacing Frenchman Esteban Ocon with Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, the American team confirmed on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Hirakawa initially stepped in for Ocon during the opening practice session in Mexico, finishing 15th before the Frenchman returned to the cockpit for FP2.

Haas announced the unexpected switch just three hours before Saturday’s final practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. However, the team offered no explanation for Ocon’s sudden departure, stating that “no further statements will be made at this time.”

Ocon was involved in a heated exchange with his race engineer during FP2. The French driver had already confirmed following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September that he would leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season. He is set to be replaced by current Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara.

WEC and Le Mans champion

Ryo Hirakawa joined Haas as a reserve driver in 2025 while continuing his full-time commitments in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The Japanese racer is a two-time world champion in the Hypercar category and currently leads the 2026 championship with three victories and 114 points from seven races. He competes for Toyota Racing alongside Mike Conway and several former Formula 1 drivers, including Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries, Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley.

Hirakawa also enjoyed success at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the endurance classic with Toyota in 2022.

Before joining Haas, the 32-year-old also held reserve driver roles with McLaren and Alpine, gaining valuable experience within the Formula 1 paddock.