Esteban Ocon has been permanently dropped by the Haas Formula 1 team for the remainder of the 2026 season, the team announced on Tuesday. The French driver will be replaced by Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara for this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Haas released a statement saying Ocon would "no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 world championship." The decision follows Ocon's removal after Friday practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, reportedly after a dispute with team principal Ayao Komatsu.
Komatsu stated: "We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with Haas this season. Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City - but then, as now, we feel this is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward. The conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter, and we will continue to respect the private nature of closed-door situations."
Ocon, who has started 198 grands prix since his 2016 debut and has one victory, appears set to be without a race seat for 2027, as the only teams with potential vacancies – Racing Bulls and Cadillac – are reportedly not interested. He is seeking a reserve drive to remain in the paddock.
In Mexico City, Ocon was stood down on Saturday morning and replaced by Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The decision came after a disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre choice during second practice on Friday. Ocon later denied reports that the row with Komatsu escalated into a physical confrontation, admitting only that "a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved" but "categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used." The denial followed a report in L'Equipe suggesting the meeting "ended abruptly, perhaps even physically."
Haas has not yet announced who will drive in Ocon's place for the remaining races after Sao Paulo.
