Esteban Ocon has denied reports that a physical altercation occurred between himself and Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu before the French driver was dropped for this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix. Ocon, whose departure from the American-based squad at the end of the season had already been confirmed, was withdrawn without explanation on Saturday and replaced by Ryo Hirakawa, with Haas only confirming the one-time Grand Prix winner was not ill. The Frenchman had been unhappy with his team's decision to run him in on medium tyres rather than softs during Friday's second practice session at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, saying "don't do this to me" to his race engineer Laura Mueller over team radio.
Ocon - victorious at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix when driving for Alpine - released a statement on Saturday, which read: "Following the recent decision from Haas F1 Team confirming that I will not be participating in this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, I wish to formally address some media reports and speculation surrounding the situation. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "Last night, a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved. "Whilst I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve differences of any nature.
"I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding. "I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed. Further updates will be communicated in due course." There has been no indication as to whether Ocon - who has lost his seat to Brazilian Rafael Camara for 2027 - will drive for Haas at next weekend's Grand Prix in Brazil.
The 30-year-old has picked up seven points this season, 16 fewer than team-mate Oliver Bearman. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during Saturday's final practice session in Mexico, Komatsu said of the Ocon incident: "I can't tell you much but I can tell you he's not ill. "Honestly, the only thing I can say is we are focused on what's in front of us and getting Ryo in the best shape for qualifying." Hirakawa, 32, qualified in 19th position as he become the oldest F1 debutant since André Lotterer for Caterham in 2014.
Reflecting on Ocon's statement, Sky Sports F1 pundit and former world champion Jenson Button said: "It's always difficult for a driver when you are out and your team are looking at someone else. "But the best thing for him to do for number one, which is himself, is drive as hard as he can, work as hard as he can, and show how good he is. "He can't do that anymore because of a disagreement on tyres in practice - it's not even qualifying or the race, it's practice.
"That frustrates me as these are 22 of the best drivers in the world. You don't get that opportunity easily and he has possibly thrown away the rest of his career in F1." Sky Sports F1's David Croft had earlier said: "We don't know an awful lot. Haas are being tight-lipped.
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