Haas has dropped French driver Esteban Ocon for the rest of the Formula 1 season, the BBC reported. In a statement, the team said Ocon would "no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 world championship". Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara will replace him at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Haas has already signed Camara for 2027.
The decision follows a row during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. According to the BBC, Ocon clashed with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre choice during second practice on the Friday. Haas dropped him the next morning and gave his seat to Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The team has given no details about what led to the decision in Mexico.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu said on Tuesday that the team had told Ocon he would not return to a race seat this season. He said such decisions are never made lightly. He added that the team believes the move is "firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward". Komatsu said the conversations between the team and Ocon remain an internal matter.
France's L'Equipe reported that a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon "ended abruptly, perhaps even physically". Ocon responded with a statement. He said he "categorically rejected any reports or allegations" that physical violence was used to settle any differences. He admitted that a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with those involved.
Ocon made his Formula 1 debut in 2016. He has driven in 198 grands prix and has one win. According to the BBC, he looks set to be without a race seat in 2027. Racing Bulls and Cadillac are the only teams with possible vacancies, and both are said not to be interested in him. Ocon is now looking for a reserve drive to stay in the conversation in the paddock.
Haas has not said who will drive the car in the remaining races after Sao Paulo.