F1 LIVE: Driver suddenly replaced as statement issued after Max Verstappen grid penalty

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have not had an ideal start to their Mexico GP preparations

Hamilton's passion still driving him to make more F1 history

George Russell reaction

Top 10 standings

History made by Lewis Hamilton in Mexico City

Lewis Hamilton on pole

Another six drivers out

An update on Alonso's problem

Six drivers out in Q1

Six minutes to go

Alonso under investigation

Hamilton a lucky man

A reminder of Max Verstappen's penalty

Qualifying underway

Laurent Mekies on Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson clash

Kimi Antonelli praised by Jenson Button

Komatsu speaks for first time since Ocon sent home

Ryo Hirakawa's first ever F1 qualifying session ended with him 19th on the timesheet (Image: Express Sport)

Haas remain tight-lipped over the exact reason why Esteban Ocon has suddenly been replaced for the rest of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

The Frenchman missed FP1 so that Ryo Hirakawa could drive his car, but was back behind the wheel for Friday's second hour of practice. On Saturday morning, though, Haas confirmed Hirakawa would get back behind the wheel for the rest of the weekend. Ocon, it is understood, has already left Mexico City.

A Haas spokesperson confirmed to us that Ocon is not suffering from illness. And team principal Ayao Komatsu repeated that – but was keen not to reveal any other details about the reason for the sudden and mysterious driver change.

Komatsu said: "I can't tell you much, but at least I can tell you that he's not ill. That much I can tell you. Honestly, I'm sorry, but I can't go into any details.

"The only thing I can say is we just focused on what's right in front of us, trying to get Ryo in the best shape for quali this afternoon."

Hirakawa has never raced in F1 before, but is an experienced hypercar driver, a double world endurance champion and a winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.