Discontinued Haas Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has denied French media rumors of a physical altercation with team boss Ayao Komatsu as he released his response to his absence from this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Ocon was on the bench in Mexico, probably due to a public disagreement with his race engineer during free practice. This led to a discussion with the team on Friday evening as the relationship between the Frenchman and his team became increasingly strained.
Following Friday’s events, details of which remain scarce, Haas made the decision to drop Ocon for the remainder of the weekend, with reserve driver and Toyota WEC driver Ryo Hirakawa taking over from FP3 onwards.
But while speculation was rife in the French media about the exact nature of the dispute between Ocon and Komatsu, including rumors of a possible physical altercation between the two, Ocon’s camp was forced to deny the so-far unsubstantiated rumors via its social media accounts.
“Following Haas F1 Team’s recent decision confirming that I will not participate in this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix, I wish to formally respond to certain media reports and speculation surrounding the situation,” Ocon’s accounts posted.
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
“Last night, a difference of views led to a discussion with the parties involved. While I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve disputes of any nature.”
He added: “I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and strongly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect and mutual understanding. I kindly request that speculation be avoided while the matter is addressed. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”
At this stage, it is not yet clear whether Ocon will return to the car at next weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix or whether he will finish the season with the American team.
The 30-year-old Grand Prix winner is fighting for his F1 future after being sidelined for 2027 by Ferrari rookie Rafa Camara, with options to stay in F1 rapidly diminishing.
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