Haas Announces Hirakawa as Ocon's Replacement for Mexico GP

By MediaFx

Haas has announced that Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Ocon, who is leaving the team at the end of the year, drove in Friday practice but will be replaced by Hirakawa on Saturday and Sunday. The team provided no further details about the reasons behind the decision, though it was confirmed that Ocon was not ill. The move comes after a dispute between Ocon and his race engineer Laura Mueller during second practice on Friday regarding tyre strategy. Ocon is currently seeking a race seat for next year, but his chances appear slim as only Cadillac and Racing Bulls have theoretical openings, neither of which are said to be interested in him. Hirakawa, 32, will make his grand prix debut in Mexico. He is a two-time winner of the World Endurance Championship with Toyota, Haas' technical partner and title sponsor.

Reporting: BBC Sport

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