Esteban Ocon has been replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. The team confirmed the switch after Friday practice, stating Hirakawa would drive on Saturday and Sunday. A Haas spokesperson clarified the decision was not due to illness, though no further reasons were given.
The move follows a tense radio exchange between Ocon and race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre strategy during second practice. Mueller instructed Ocon to switch to medium tyres, but Ocon protested, insisting on softs and saying, "Don't do that to me." Haas declined to confirm if the dispute influenced the replacement. Ocon, whose future at the team is uncertain, is now seeking a race seat for next season, with prospects appearing slim.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing