Esteban Ocon has been definitively abandoned by the Haas team.
The Frenchman will be replaced at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix by Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara, who has been signed by the team for 2027.
Haas released a statement saying Ocon “would no longer participate on its behalf in the 2026 world championship.”
The move comes after Ocon was replaced after Friday’s practice at the Mexico Grand Prix weekend, reportedly after an argument with team principal Ayao Komatsu.
Haas gave no details on what caused them to abandon Ocon in Mexico.
Komatsu said in a Haas statement on Tuesday: “We have now informed Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a racing seat with Haas this season.
“Such decisions are never taken lightly, as was the case in Mexico City, but then as now, we believe it is in the best interest of the team to move forward.
“The conversations that ultimately took place between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter, and we will continue to respect the privacy of situations behind closed doors.”
Ocon, who has competed in 198 Grands Prix since his debut in 2016 and has one victory, appears set to leave racing for 2027 as the only teams with potential vacancies – Racing Bulls and Cadillac – are reportedly not interested in him.
He is looking for a spare steering wheel to stay in the conversations in the paddock.
Ocon was dropped Saturday morning in Mexico and replaced by Haas’ Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa.
The decision to withdraw him came after an argument with race engineer Laura Mueller over tire choice during Friday’s second practice.
The next day, Ocon released a statement saying he “categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve disputes of any nature.”
He admitted that “a divergence of views led to a discussion with the parties concerned.”
His statement followed an article in L’Equipe that a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon “ended abruptly, perhaps even physically.”
Haas did not say who will drive in Ocon’s place in the remaining races of the season after Sao Paulo this weekend.
Gn sports
