Haas has dropped Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season following a dispute with team principal Ayao Komatsu. The French driver will be replaced by Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The team announced on Tuesday that Ocon would "no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 world championship." The decision came after Ocon was stood down during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend following a disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre strategy during Friday practice.
Komatsu stated the decision was made in the best interest of the team and that details of the conversations would remain private. Ocon, who has 198 grand prix starts and one victory, denied allegations of physical violence reported by French media, admitting only to a "difference in viewpoints."
Ocon was initially replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the Mexico City race. With Camara signed for 2027, Haas has not yet confirmed who will drive in the remaining races after Sao Paulo. Ocon's future in Formula 1 appears uncertain, as other teams with potential vacancies are reportedly not interested.
