Ocon dropped by Haas mid weekend, replaced by Hirakawa for race debut

Haas have sensationally dropped Esteban Ocon from his race seat mid weekend and replaced the one time race winner with F1 debutant Ryo Hirakawa.

Ocon had taken part in FP2, having missed FP1 for Hirakawa already. Haas issued on a social media a post ended “No further statements will be made at this time”. The online rumour mill has already rolled into action, with a particular attention drawn to an outburst on team radio over tyres.

Hirakawa, 32, makes his race debut - the oldest F1 debutant since Andre Lotterer for Caterham in 2014 and has multiple FP1 appearances under his belt with Haas, and previously with Alpine.

The Japanese driver is a two time World Endurance champion, and has won Le Mans. He has spent the majority of his single seater racing career in Super Formula.

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited