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Komatsu declines to explain Haas's sudden Ocon switch

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-10-31GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

Komatsu said Ocon was not ill but declined to explain why reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa was set to replace him for the rest of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

GPBeat · Newsroom31 Oct 2026, 22:12 · 1 min

Haas announced on Saturday morning that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa would replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, without giving a reason. Team principal Ayao Komatsu said Ocon was not ill but did not explain the decision during final practice.

Asked whether Ocon's radio comments about Haas's FP2 run plan had contributed, Komatsu replied: "No, I'm sorry, but I can't go into any details."

Komatsu said he was focused on getting Hirakawa ready for qualifying later that Saturday. Hirakawa was due to race for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship at Monza the following weekend, leaving him unavailable for the São Paulo Grand Prix. Asked whether Haas would call up another reserve for São Paulo, Komatsu said he had not yet addressed the question.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEHaas team principal takes clear stance over Esteban Ocon furoreRacingNews365 English

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