Esteban Ocon made telling comment in unaired Mexico GP team radio before Haas replaced him

Esteban Ocon was involved in a tense radio exchange with Haas race engineer Laura Muller during Friday practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix - the day before he was replaced by the American team.

Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who competed in free practice one in Mexico City, will replace Ocon for the remainder of the weekend in Mexico, starting from FP3. No official reason has been given by Haas for the decision, though it is understood that the Frenchman is not ill.

Whether Ocon has raced in Formula 1 for the last time is unclear. Haas have already announced he will not drive for them in 2027, with Ferrari junior driver Rafael Camara to replace him. If he doesn't, one of his last acts as an F1 driver could have played a role in his abrupt exit.

READ MORE: Esteban Ocon immediately replaced by Haas for Mexico GP as driver set to make F1 debut

Esteban Ocon team radio emerges amid Haas drop decision

During the second practice session in Mexico City, Ocon argued with his engineer after she told him that he would be running mediums during his long run; Ocon wanted soft tyres instead and believed that had been agreed upon before the session.

"We've swapped the high tyre run to medium, because Ollie [Bearman]'s appearance is not right," Muller said over the radio.

"I'm still doing soft, right?" Ocon asked. "No, we're still doing medium," came the reply.

"No, no. I want to do soft... don't do that to me, come on," Ocon said.

But it was the Frenchman's final comment as his car was being wheeled back to the garage which was most telling: "Yeah, it is my turn this weekend, so come on."

Given Bearman appears likely to continue with Haas in 2027 - the team has not yet officially announced who will partner Camara - it would make sense for them to prioritise him over Ocon in the closing races, though there was, at the very least, a miscommunication.

And while there is no indication yet that the radio exchange played a role in Haas' decision, it shows that there were clear tensions between driver and team in the hours before the call.

What Haas have said about Esteban Ocon decision

In their statement confirming Ocon's withdrawal from the race weekend in Mexico, Haas said they would be making 'no further statements' on the matter - despite not explaining the exact reason for their decision.

"TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.

"Ryo participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday, his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26. The Japanese driver will partner team-mate Ollie Bearman through final practice and qualifying on Saturday and Sunday's 71-lap Grand Prix - marking Ryo's Formula 1 race debut. No further statements will be made at this time."