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Esteban Ocon speaking out about reports of his expulsion from the Formula 1 Grand Prix Mexico City this weekend.
The 30-year-old French F1 Haas driver sat out the first practice session on Friday (October 30) as a reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa he took place. In F1, each driver must hand over their car to a reserve driver for two practice sessions.
Esteban back into the driver’s seat for the second practice, but it was announced on Saturday (October 31) ahead of FP3 that Ryo it will be in place for the rest of the weekend.
TGR Haas F1 team reserve driver Ry? Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the rest of the weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Ry? took part in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday, his third free practice of the season driving the VF-26, finishing 15th overall.
The Japanese driver will partner teammate Ollie Bearman through final practice and qualifying for Saturday and Sunday’s 71-lap grand prix – marking Ry?’s Formula 1 debut.
No further statements will be made at this time. – Haas F1 Team via Instagram
This indicates Ryothe official debut of Formula 1!
Several reports came out discussing what happened, including a meeting with him and the principal of the team Hi Komatsu ending abruptly, with one report saying it ended “perhaps even physically.”
now, Esteban has published a statement on his Instagram story, denying that there was any physical violence of any kind.
“After the recent decision of the Haas F1 Team confirming that I will not participate in the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend, I want to formally address some media reports and speculations about the situation.
Last night, a difference of opinion led to a debate with the parties involved. While I acknowledge that this happened, I categorically reject any reports or allegations that suggest physical violence of any kind was used to resolve differences of any kind.
I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and strongly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect and mutual understanding.
I kindly request that speculation be avoided while dealing with the matter.
Further updates will be released over time.”
That was recently confirmed Esteban he will not retain his race seat with Haas for 2027 and will part ways at the end of this season in December.
If you remember, two years ago, Esteban he did not drive in the final race of the 2025 season with Alpine after announcing his move to Haas.
It is not clear or confirmed at this time if it is Esteban he will finish this season at Haas. There are currently four more races scheduled for the rest of 2026 after Mexico City, including Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
However, it is not certain that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will continue as tensions in the Middle East continue.
There are reports that Imola is in line to retain the place of the Abu Dhabi as the final race of the season, if the race there is cancelled.
Posted to: Stephen Ocon F1 Formula 1 Ryo Hirakawa
