Esteban Ocon has denied reports of a physical altercation with Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu before being dropped for the Mexico City Grand Prix. The French driver, whose departure at season's end was already confirmed, was withdrawn without explanation on Saturday and replaced by reserve Ryo Hirakawa. Ocon expressed frustration over being assigned medium tyres instead of softs during Friday practice, telling his race engineer "don't do this to me" over team radio.
In a statement, Ocon acknowledged a difference in viewpoints but categorically rejected any allegations of physical violence, stating disagreements should be handled with professionalism. Haas team principal Komatsu confirmed Ocon is not ill but refused to elaborate further, stating simply the team is focused on getting Hirakawa ready for qualifying. Hirakawa, 32, qualified 19th, becoming the oldest F1 debutant since André Lotterer in 2014.
Former world champion Jenson Button suggested Ocon may have thrown his F1 career away by the manner of his departure.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing