Ocon denies physical altercation after Haas replaces him for Mexico GP

Haas abruptly changed its driver lineup during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, replacing Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The announcement came on Saturday, October 31, with Hirakawa taking over for the rest of the event, according to Associated Press.

The team gave no explanation for the switch, Sky Sports reported. That left the reason for Ocon's removal unclear even as Haas prepared to put a newcomer into Sunday's race.

On October 31, Perfil.com reported that the replacement followed a tense radio episode during practice. Its coverage also said Haas had not explained the decision, so the reported exchange did not establish why the team acted.

The change ruled Ocon out of the remaining practice session, qualifying and the race, according to Infobae. Associated Press described the midweekend substitution as rare and reported that Hirakawa would make his Formula 1 race debut on Sunday.

Later coverage on October 31 brought Ocon's response. He acknowledged a disagreement but denied using any form of physical violence, L'Équipe reported.

On November 1, Infobae reported Ocon's account that a difference of viewpoints had led to a discussion. The BBC also reported his denial that a physical altercation was behind his removal.

Hirakawa is set to race in Ocon's place in Mexico. The 32-year-old is a two-time world endurance champion and a Le Mans 24 Hours winner with Toyota, according to Japan Times. His debut therefore comes with substantial experience outside Formula 1, but no previous F1 race start.

The cause of the substitution remains unresolved in the supplied reporting. Haas has not provided an explanation, while Ocon has acknowledged a disagreement and rejected reports of physical violence. His account should not be treated as confirmation of the allegations he denies.

The immediate next step is Hirakawa's scheduled race debut on Sunday, November 1, as reported by Associated Press. Beyond Mexico, the open questions are whether Haas explains its decision and whether Ocon returns to the car. The confirmed replacement covers the remainder of this weekend, according to Sky Sports, not a settled longer-term lineup.