Oliver Bearman has found himself in an unusual position at Haas after Esteban Ocon suddenly lost his place in the team’s lineup for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
While the British driver has stayed in contact with his former teammate, he has also taken responsibility for helping the replacement, Ryo Hirakawa, prepare for his first Formula 1 race.
Following Saturday’s qualifying session, Bearman addressed the situation and explained how he has supported the Japanese driver.
“Of course, I sent a message to Esteban. It’s a really tough situation, and I don’t know exactly what’s happened if I’m brutally honest with you, but it’s never a happy situation when these situations occur,” he said.
Although Bearman sympathizes with Ocon, he has also made sure Hirakawa receives the support he needs before his Grand Prix debut. The situation has also reminded him of his own unexpected opportunity with Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Why Was Esteban Ocon Removed From Haas’ Mexico GP Lineup?
Haas announced Ocon’s withdrawal shortly before FP3 on Saturday, October 31, without providing a reason. The Frenchman had already lost his seat for 2027 to Rafael Camara, but he was expected to complete the remaining races of the current season.
However, the situation changed after a disagreement during Friday’s FP2 session. Ocon had expressed frustration over the team’s decision to put him on medium tires instead of softs, telling his race engineer Laura Mueller, “Don’t do this to me.”
Reports later suggested that a meeting between Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu ended badly, with speculation about a possible physical altercation.
Komatsu, however, refused to reveal further details when Sky Sports F1 asked him about the decision. “I can’t tell you much, but I can tell you he’s not ill,” he explained. He added that Haas’ immediate priority was to prepare Hirakawa for qualifying.
Meanwhile, Ocon addressed the rumors through social media on Saturday. Although he acknowledged that a disagreement had taken place, he strongly denied any physical confrontation.
“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 differences of any nature,” Ocon wrote on X.
He also condemned violence and asked the media to avoid speculation while the matter was being addressed.
Oliver Bearman Recalls His Unexpected F1 Debut With Ferrari in Jeddah
Interestingly, Hirakawa’s sudden promotion brought back memories for Bearman of his own unexpected Formula 1 opportunity in 2024. The British driver made his Grand Prix debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Carlos Sainz withdrew from the event because of appendicitis.
At just 18 years old, Bearman received the call on Friday, March 8, and replaced Sainz from FP3 onward. Despite having limited preparation time, he qualified 11th before finishing an impressive seventh in the race.
He also collected six championship points and finished ahead of established drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.
His performance opened further opportunities with Haas later that year. Bearman replaced Kevin Magnussen at the Azerbaijan GP when the Dane served a one-race ban for exceeding the penalty-point limit. He later stepped in for Magnussen again at the São Paulo GP after the Haas driver fell ill.
Those appearances, along with his Ferrari debut, strengthened his case for a permanent seat. Haas subsequently signed Bearman for the 2025 season, pairing him with Ocon.
Now, as Hirakawa prepares for his own first Grand Prix, Bearman understands the pressure that comes with an unexpected opportunity.
His willingness to help the 32-year-old driver reflects the experience he gained in his early days in Formula 1, even as circumstances at Haas remain difficult for everyone involved.
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