Esteban Ocon has been replaced by Haas just hours before qualifying at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Ryo Hirakawa stepping in to make his Formula 1 debut.

The Frenchman completed both practice sessions without incident on Friday in Mexico City, but now finds himself without a race seat for the remainder of the weekend.

Japanese driver Hirakawa, who competed in free practice one for Haas, will replace Ocon and partner Oliver Bearman. Haas had already confirmed that Ocon would not be driving for the team in 2027, with Rafael Camara signed as his replacement from the beginning of next season.

Haas issue statement on Esteban Ocon

In a statement, Haas wrote: "TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.

"Ryo participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday, his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, finishing 15th overall.

"The Japanese driver will partner team-mate Ollie Bearman through final practice and qualifying on Saturday and Sunday's 71-lap Grand Prix, marking Ryo's Formula 1 debut.

"No further statements will be made at this time."

Ocon had a disagreement with Haas over team radio during FP2 over his planned soft tyre run, with the team instead switching him to mediums. It is as yet unclear as to what has prompted Haas' decision to replace him, or whether that disagreement is in any way linked.

Who is Ryo Hirakawa?

Ryo Hirakawa is one of Japan's most successful racing drivers, having won the World Endurance Championship in 2022 and 2023.

The 32-year-old, who drives for Toyota Gazoo Racing in WEC, was previously part of McLaren's driver academy but has been given free practice opportunities with Haas following their technical partnership with Toyota.

His chances of a full-time F1 seat looked to have faded after Haas chose to replace Ocon with Ferrari junior driver Rafael Camara for the 2027 season onwards. But he will now get an unexpected chance to compete for the American team in at least the Mexico City Grand Prix.

If Ocon's absence extends beyond this weekend, it would surely make sense for Camara to step in to the seat to gain crucial race experience before his full-time drive gets underway next year.