Bearman says Ocon’s absence feels strange as Komatsu reflects on their time at Haas

Oliver Bearman says it feels strange to be at Haas without Esteban Ocon. “I really do feel for him,” he said during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

Haas dropped Ocon after Friday practice at the Mexican Grand Prix. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took his place for the rest of that weekend, and Ocon will not return to the cockpit this season. A disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller over FP2 run plans was broadcast over team radio, but the full circumstances of Ocon’s departure remained unclear.

Komatsu said he told Haas staff on Saturday morning in Mexico that Ocon would no longer drive and Hirakawa would take the car. He said the news surprised them. Although he normally tries to keep the team informed, Komatsu said he could not share much more about the situation.

Komatsu said his almost two years working with Ocon had taught him a lot, describing it as a continuous learning experience.

Bearman has found himself in a lead-driver role with rookies alongside him at Haas, but said his mindset had not changed. He hoped Ocon’s absence would not disrupt the team; of the previous week, he said he would not say that it had caused disruption.

At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Haas 2027 recruit Rafael Camara is making his F1 debut alongside Bearman. Camara is the current Formula 2 championship leader. Bearman said he was excited to have a team-mate who would push him, and called Camara a very strong competitor.