Button offers grim verdict on Ocon's F1 career

Former world champion Jenson Button believes Esteban Ocon has likely thrown away the rest of his Formula 1 career after Haas dropped him during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

The American outfit replaced the French driver with reserve Ryo Hirakawa ahead of Saturday's final practice session without offering an official explanation, though the decision is widely believed to be disciplinary. While Ocon subsequently denied any physical altercation took place, the fallout triggered sharp and divided reactions across the paddock.

Commenting on Ocon's situation on Sky Sports F1, former world champion Button acknowledged the immense pressure drivers face when a team is already looking past them. However, he showed little sympathy for the Frenchman's reaction, pointing out that the 22 drivers on the grid represent the very best in the world.

Sky colleague Ted Kravitz offered an even bleaker assessment. In his post-qualifying report, he suggested this marked the end of the road for Ocon in F1, arguing that few teams would want him back after recent events. Kravitz added that Haas has already turned its focus toward Ferrari junior and Formula 2 frontrunner Rafael Câmara, who is under contract with the team for 2027.

Former F1 driver Olivier Panis saw things quite differently, however. According to Auto Hebdo, he came to his compatriot's defence on social media, branding the sidelining of a talented, consistent Grand Prix winner a "complete disgrace." The former Ligier racer questioned the team's motives, arguing that sporting merit had been sacrificed for political and commercial interests.

Pundit Karun Chandhok took a more measured view regarding Friday's tyre dispute, where Ocon was sent out on medium tyres during FP2 despite pushing for softs. Chandhok noted that the driver's frustration was understandable given he is fighting for his future after being dropped for next season. However, he stressed that Ocon picked the wrong battle, adding that Haas should look to terminate his contract immediately to give Câmara an early start.

Following Haas's announcement of their split in September, Ocon remained adamant that his time in Formula 1 was far from over. Paddock rumours have linked him with a reserve role at Aston Martin, though the Silverstone-based team has made no announcement and currently lists Jak Crawford and Stoffel Vandoorne on its roster.