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Formula One team Haas are at risk of breaking a lesser-known rule after axing Esteban Ocon four races from the end of the season. Ocon has flattered to deceive all year, but the decision to sack the Frenchman did raise eyebrows. It is said to have stemmed from a heated disagreement between Ocon and team principal Ayao Komatsu during last weekend's Mexican Grand Prix. The exact details surrounding the decision to axe him before the end of the year still remain unclear, but Komatsu insists it was a professional move to let him go early.
There’s no rest for the wicked, though, given the Formula One circus rolls into Brazil this weekend. And taking Ocon’s place in the Haas motor will be Rafael Camara, who is set for his Formula One debut.
It will prove quite the moment for Camara, given he will make his debut on home soil. Not only that, but the Brazilian racing prodigy will also be driving for Haas full-time next season, having impressed in Formula Two.
But, as far as the remainder of this season is concerned, Haas have put a block on reserve driver Jack Doohan representing them. That’s because they have already used four drivers for the season so far, which is the maximum allowed under FIA rules.
There are situations where teams can use a fifth driver, but that requires special dispensation from the FIA. It is particularly bad news for Doohan, who hasn’t featured this year and no longer will get the chance to do so.
In the meantime, Haas are dealing with the fallout from Ocon’s departure, with Komatsu having said: "At the end of the day I am the team principal and every decision I make is 'what do I need to do for the best interest of this team?’
"In that sense it gives me clarity, I had clarity of what I needed to do. I have to make a decision purely based on professionalism. Every time I go back to that. Of course it is not easy but at least I am comfortable in myself...
He added: "I can't go into any details but this is F1, every day is a new challenge. I take any new challenge as an opportunity to learn and do the right thing.
"Not to say the situation that happened in Mexico is something I look for. But again I've got a responsibility, so I have to stay 100% professional and a make a decision for the best of the team."
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