Haas has confirmed Esteban Ocon will not return to drive for them following his shock ousting for the team last weekend.

Rafael Camara, who was due to make his Formula 1 debut for the team next year, will take over Ocon’s car from this weekend’s round in Brazil.

Ocon participated in Friday’s second practice session in Mexico and was due to remain in the car for the rest of the weekend. However Haas unexpectedly announced on Friday morning that Ocon’s place had been taken by Ryo Hirakawa, the team’s test driver who participated in the first practice session driving Ocon’s car.

Ocon subsequently issued a statement confirming there had been a difference of opinion between him and the team but strongly denying any claims “physical violence was used to resolve any differences”. He challenged race engineer Laure Mueller’s instruction regarding tyre strategy during second practice.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has not explained the team’s reasons for dropping Ocon.

“We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season,” he said in a statement issued by the team. “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.”

Haas announced last month that Ocon won’t return to drive for the team next year. Camara will therefore make his debut at his home race this weekend.

The team has not given any indication who will drive for them at in the final three rounds of the championship. Komatsu said Camara “excelled in his TPC [Testing of Previous Cars] outing in August.”

“We know Rafa’s capabilities and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team this weekend and working with him through his Formula 1 debut driving the VF-26 in Brazil,” he added.

‘Difference in viewpoints’ but no threat of violence: Ocon on his shock Haas exit

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and

Browse all Formula 1 articles