Things are absolutely mental at the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend. Haas have just dropped a bombshell by removing Esteban Ocon from the rest of the event, and disciplinary action appears to be behind his sudden departure. The French driver is being replaced by Ryo Hirakawa, a 32-year-old endurance racing veteran with two WEC titles and Le Mans wins under his belt. Hirakawa will make his F1 debut this weekend, becoming the second oldest Grand Prix debutant of the 21st century.
More F1 news: Norris Edges Antonelli by Thousandths in Mexico FP3 Thriller
The stewards have already been busy handing out penalties left and right. Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson both copped one-place grid penalties after tangling in the slow stadium section during FP2. The incident was clumsy enough that both drivers agreed it was unnecessary, and they've also picked up penalty points for their troubles. With qualifying about to kick off, Verstappen will be starting Sunday's race from one position further back than wherever he qualifies.
More F1 news: Norris Edges Antonelli by a Hair in Mexico FP3 as Leclerc Rounds Out Top Three
Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli's title quest is getting closer to reality. The Mercedes driver needs just two points to clinch the championship and become F1's youngest ever world champion. Better yet, if George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both fail to win on Sunday, Antonelli could wrap it up without scoring a single point. Mercedes are also eyeing the constructors' title, needing to outscore Ferrari by at least 39 points across the remaining weekend.
More F1 news: Norris Edges Antonelli for FP3 Win as Haas Shocks Paddock by Benching Ocon
Ferrari have been looking genuinely rapid during practice sessions, so they won't make it easy for Mercedes. Charles Leclerc and the rest of the Scuderia crew have clearly brought some decent pace to the high altitude of Mexico City. Qualifying is where we'll get the real answer about who's got the performance though, and it's shaping up to be a cracking session with all this drama swirling around the paddock.
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