Axed F1 star Esteban Ocon has spoken out for the first time since it was confirmed that he would not be returning to Haas this season.

Ocon was set to leave the US-owned team at the end of the 2026 campaign, but shock news came ahead of FP3 during the Mexican Grand Prix that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa would be replacing him for the remainder of the event.

Haas offered no explanation for the sudden axe, though Ocon later came out to deny any reports that he had been involved in a physical altercation. The team then confirmed he would not race for them for the rest of the year ahead of last weekend's race in Sao Paulo, with Rafael Camara - who is set to drive for Haas full-time in 2027 - stepping in to replace him.

At this time, it is unclear who will be in the Haas car for the remaining three grands prix of the year, but it won't be Ocon.

Esteban Ocon breaks silence on definitive Haas axe

Now, in a statement released via his social media channels, Ocon has spoken out for the first time since Haas confirmed he would not return at all, which signals the end of his F1 career, for the time being at the very least, with no drive yet confirmed for 2027.

The Frenchman thanked those who have reached out and shown support since his axe, but did not offer any update on what the future holds.

"Hi everyone, I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all your messages. Your support means a great deal to me," Ocon wrote.

"To the fans, colleagues and former colleagues who have taken the time to reach out as well, I’m truly grateful. My love for this sport remains as strong as ever, and I’m grateful to share that passion with so many of you.

"Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. Esteban."

Komatsu: Ocon axe in best interest of team

Ocon's statement comes after Haas boss Ayao Komatsu told the media in Sao Paulo that he decided the French driver would not return and that it was a call made with the team's best interests in mind.

"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?'" Komatsu said. "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...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."