Why is Ocon leaving? Komatsu stays silent as journalists speculate

Esteban Ocon’s sudden dismissal by Haas ahead of third practice for the Mexican Grand Prix ranks among the most shocking stories in recent times. Driver changes between seasons are commonplace, and we have seen mid-season swaps too, but replacing a driver in the middle of a race weekend is unique. The latest events, however, have only reinforced Ocon’s reputation as a driver prone to falling out with his own team.

Something similar happened to Esteban back in 2024. After a difficult season, most notably featuring a senseless move on team-mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco, he fell out with the team towards the end of his spell there. At the time, rumors emerged that he had caused a scene in the garage after the penultimate race in Qatar, shouting at his own team. Alpine had reportedly had enough and dismissed Ocon on the spot. Jack Doohan contested the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Two years on, Ocon arrived in Mexico knowing that his chances of staying in Formula 1 were almost non-existent. Haas had told him several weeks earlier that he was not part of its plans. In second practice, there was an unusual exchange between him and his engineer Laura Müller. Ocon wanted to complete his race simulation on soft tyres, just like his team-mate Ollie Bearman. Haas, however, wanted to split its programmes and put him on mediums, which is entirely normal in second practice.

Something reportedly happened after the session that ultimately sealed Ocon’s dismissal. According to DAZN’s Tomás Slafer, an altercation took place during the team debrief in the Haas garage after second practice. Esteban evidently must have done something that led Haas to conclude he had breached his contract in a way that justified his immediate dismissal.

According to DAZN, not only did Ocon fail to appear at the circuit on Saturday, he flew straight home. It will be interesting to see whether he comments on the matter and whether he takes legal action against Haas for breach of contract.

Another intriguing detail is that, according to media reports, the team waited for journalists and photographers to arrive before tearing down the stickers bearing Ocon’s number and face in front of the cameras. Wherever Esteban was at the time, it was certainly a clear message.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu appeared live on Sky during third practice. However, he was unable to comment on the matter, probably for legal reasons. “I can’t tell you much but I can tell you he’s not ill,” the Japanese engineer said.

Asked again, he simply reiterated: “I’m sorry I can’t go into any details.”

What happens in Brazil?

Just as the reasons for Ocon’s dismissal remain a mystery, there is also a major question over what happens next. Ryo Hirakawa will contest the Mexican weekend, but we do not yet know who will drive in Brazil. An Ocon return currently looks extremely unlikely, but Haas has not confirmed that. It is clear that the team is now grappling with all the contractual implications of its decision, and the future remains uncertain.

Haas already has Rafael Câmara under contract for next season, and it would only be logical to bring forward the talented Brazilian’s debut. “The reality is, I think if I were Haas, I’d be doing everything possible now to extricate myself from the Ocon contract and get Camara in there as quickly as possible. Get him to learn as much as possible this year, and basically he can treat this year as testing for next season,” said Sky pundit Karun Chandhok.

However, questions remain over Haas’s contractual obligations to its reserve drivers Hirakawa and Jack Doohan, as well as to Toyota. Câmara was also due to take part in first practice in Brazil with Ferrari. These are all questions that will probably be answered in the coming days.

Komatsu offered no further clarity either, unable to shed any light on what would happen in Brazil. “Honestly, the only thing I can say is we are focused on what’s in front of us and getting Ryo in the best shape for qualifying,” said Ayao, adding that he had not yet got round to addressing the question of what would happen in Sao Paulo.