What happened: Haas replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Hirakawa will partner Oliver Bearman in the VF-26 across final practice, qualifying, and Sunday's grand prix. Ocon had participated in Friday's second practice session after Hirakawa drove the car during opening practice.

Why it matters: The sudden driver swap sidelines Ocon following a Friday practice session marred by a power steering failure. Haas already announced Rafael Camara will take Ocon's race seat for the 2027 season, leaving the team to navigate an abrupt mid-weekend transition at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

What to watch: Hirakawa and Bearman will take to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for third practice ahead of qualifying.