Haas Drops Esteban Ocon for Ryo Hirakawa at Mexico GP

Haas abruptly dropped veteran driver Esteban Ocon ahead of Saturday's third practice at the Mexico Grand Prix, replacing him with Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa.

Hirakawa, a former Le Mans 24-hour race winner, is set to make his Formula 1 race debut on Sunday alongside teammate Oliver Bearman.

Haas clarified that Ocon was not replaced due to illness and left open who will drive for the team next week in Brazil.