Esteban Ocon has revealed that Lewis Hamilton sought him out at the United States Grand Prix in Austin to talk about the Frenchman’s Haas exit. He did it face to face instead of by text. Ocon said only a few rivals got in touch after Haas confirmed last month that he will leave when the 2026 season ends. Hamilton explained his approach to reporters in Mexico City on Thursday.
“I’m not going to say what I said because it’s private, and I didn’t text him,” Hamilton told the media on Thursday in Mexico City. “I didn’t know about the text situation, but I thought it would be better when I get to see him in person.”
Haas has picked Ferrari junior Rafael Camara to take the seat for 2027. Ocon will almost certainly spend a year on the sidelines for the second time in his career. With that in mind, a seven-time world champion making time to talk meant a lot to the French driver.
Ocon Says Few Rivals Got in Touch
Ocon spoke about the lack of support during the United States Grand Prix weekend. He named Lance Stroll as one driver who made the effort.
“Of course I talk to some of the guys in private life,” Ocon said. “Lance [Stroll] came to speak to me, for example. But I didn’t receive any messages from anyone.”
Ocon added: “I’m not calling for any support from any drivers or whatever. That’s not what I need. It’s a difficult world for everybody in a way. We are all living in that same thing.”
Hamilton was the other name on his list. The two share some history, since Ocon was a Mercedes reserve driver in 2019 while Hamilton raced for the team.
“Lewis came to me actually in Austin,” Ocon told the media on Thursday in Mexico City. “We chatted a little bit about the situation and how things went, but nothing really to say much more.”
Lewis Hamilton Says Ocon Deserves to Be on the Grid
Lewis Hamilton had warm words for Ocon when he spoke to the media in Mexico City on Thursday.
“I think he’s one of the nicest guys here,” Hamilton said. “He’s always been so. He’s a charming young lad. I don’t know how his environment is or what his challenges have been; I can guess that it probably hasn’t been easy over the years. But I think he remains positive.”
Hamilton then looked ahead for his former colleague. “It’s sad to see him leave because I think he’s a very, very talented driver, and I think he deserves to be here. But when one door closes, it opens up new opportunities for something new and better.”
Ocon’s situation turned worse at the Mexico City GP. Haas announced on Saturday that the Frenchman would not race this weekend and called in reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa as his replacement.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu told Sky Sports F1 during final practice that he could not share details. “Yeah, I can’t tell you much, but at least I can tell you that he’s not ill,” Komatsu said. “That much I can tell you.”
PlanetF1 noted the decision followed a radio exchange in second practice, when Ocon asked for softer tires and his race engineer, Laura Mueller, told him the team had to use the mediums. French outlet L’Équipe later reported a possible physical altercation in a meeting between Ocon and Komatsu. Ocon denied it on X.
“Last night, 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,” he wrote.
Haas hasn’t said whether Ocon will return for Brazil next weekend, and there have been reports stating that the team could lean on reserve driver Jack Doohan if he doesn’t.
More F1 Reading
- Liam Lawson Disqualified From Mexico City GP Qualifying Over MGU-K Infringement
- Who Is Rafael Camara, the Haas Driver Tipped To Replace Esteban Ocon for Remaining 2026 F1 Races?
- A Possible Physical Altercation With Ayao Komatsu Could Be Reason Behind Esteban Ocon’s Haas Ouster
- ‘Demand More From Politicians’: Carlos Sainz Appeals for Unity as Train Tragedy Leaves 69 Dead in Spain
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