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

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Komatsu speaks for first time since Ocon sent home

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have both had set backs (Image: Getty Images)

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.