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Esteban Ocon will not race for Haas again this season. Rafael Camara is set to make his Formula 1 debut at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Also in: Español
Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will no longer compete for the team for the remainder of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 world championship. The 30-year-old Frenchman, who was already scheduled to leave the team at the end of the year, was dropped following a reported disagreement during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.
According to a statement from Haas, "TGR Haas F1 team can confirm that Esteban Ocon will no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 world championship." Team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that the decision was made because the team felt the move was "firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward."
Komatsu noted that "the conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter," and declined to provide specific details regarding the cause of the departure.
Reports from France's L'Equipe suggested a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon "ended abruptly, perhaps even physically." Ocon addressed these reports on social media, stating that "a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved," but he "categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature."
Rafael Camara, a 21-year-old Brazilian and current Formula 2 championship leader, is set to make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, was already scheduled to join Haas in 2027, but his promotion has been brought forward.
Camara will partner British driver Ollie Bearman at the Interlagos circuit. The decision to promote Camara follows the unavailability of reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, who is competing in the World Endurance Championship in Italy this weekend. Hirakawa had previously replaced Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he finished 10th.
Ocon has driven in 198 Grands Prix since his debut in 2016. His time at Haas follows previous stints with Alpine, Renault, and Force India. While Ocon has secured a victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, he has also faced challenges regarding team relationships and performance relative to teammates.
Haas has not yet announced which driver will partner Ollie Bearman for the final three races of the season in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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