Haas team stunned by Ocon axing as Komatsu admits squad 'surprised' by mid-season dismissal

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has admitted his entire squad was blindsided when he informed them that Esteban Ocon would not race at the Mexican Grand Prix, confirming the Frenchman’s mid-season dismissal came as a shock even within the team.

Ocon was dropped after a falling-out following Friday practice at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with a disagreement between the driver and race engineer Laura Mueller over run plans in FP2 broadcast over team radio. Beyond that exchange, the precise details of what led to his removal remain undisclosed.

“On Saturday morning when I had to tell the boys and girls here, ‘Esteban’s not driving anymore, Ryo is in the car’, of course everybody was surprised,” Komatsu said. “Like I said to them, normally, inside the team especially I want to be as transparent as possible, as informed, so that you understand the context. But I cannot really say much more.”

Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, who had already taken part in FP1, stepped in for the remainder of the Mexican weekend. Ocon will not return to the cockpit this season. At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Haas 2027 recruit Rafael Camara is making his F1 debut alongside Oliver Bearman, replacing Ocon for the final races of the year.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Komatsu struck a measured tone when reflecting on his nearly two years working with Ocon. “Every day is a learning,” he said. “Seriously, every day you are faced with something new; you’re always learning, always. Of course, it’s almost two years working with Esteban; it’s taught me a lot.”

Bearman, now effectively the team’s senior driver, said the situation had not disrupted his own focus. “Of course it’s strange not having Esteban here, and it’s obviously a challenging situation for everybody,” he said. “I really do feel for him. At least last week I wouldn’t say that it caused any disruption at all. If anything it’s a positive now that we have Rafa in the car for these events, and that is also preparing us as a team for next year.”

The Briton also welcomed the prospect of being pushed by Camara, the current F2 championship leader. “Honestly, I’m excited to have a team-mate that’s going to push me really hard,” Bearman said. “For us as competitive people, as racing drivers, you want someone that pushes you to the next level, and that’s the best way to get the most out of the team, for sure.”