Formula One driver Esteban Ocon has been axed by Haas for good – and has been replaced by Rafael Camara for this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The Frenchman was dropped midway through the last round in Mexico, with the American team not offering an explanation.
Ocon, 30, responded to reports of an altercation by denying he had been violent, but admitted to a disagreement with team bosses.
His departure from Haas was already set for the end of the season, with Ferrari academy driver Camara, 21, taking his place for the 2027 campaign. But his exit has now been brought forward, and he will miss the remaining four races of this year in addition to Mexico.
The Brazilian – current F2 leader – will step in to partner British driver Ollie Bearman at his home race with Ocon confirmed to have been removed for the rest of the season.
A Haas statement read: ‘TGR Haas F1 team can confirm that Esteban Ocon will no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 world championship.’
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu refused to answer questions on what had happened with Ocon when he was live on Sky Sports on Saturday of the Mexico race.
The Japanese boss says the issue remains an ‘internal matter’.
Esteban Ocon was with Haas in Mexico but was replaced before the Grand Prix
He said: ‘Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City – but then, as now, we feel this is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward.
‘The conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter, and we will continue to respect the private nature of closed-door situations.
‘Looking ahead, we’ve chosen Rafael Camara to drive alongside Ollie Bearman at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.’
Before Mexico – when he was replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa – Ocon denied reports of a physical clash with Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.
The Frenchman was involved in a dispute about tyre strategy with race engineer Laura Mueller during Friday’s second practice session, and L’Equipe claim he got into a row with principal Komatsu which descended into a ‘possible physical altercation’.
But Ocon wrote on X: ‘A difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved.
‘Whilst I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature.
‘I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding. I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed.’