Esteban Ocon denied reports that he had a physical altercation with Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu after the team replaced him with Ryo Hirakawa for the rest of the Mexico Grand Prix weekend. The French driver said there had been an argument on Friday but rejected any claim of physical violence.
Rumours of a confrontation circulated in the paddock at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Saturday. Haas did not give a detailed explanation for the replacement, saying only that Ocon was not ill.
French newspaper L’Équipe reported that the dispute began during the second practice session, when Ocon allegedly declined an instruction from engineer Laura Muller to switch from soft to medium tyres. The report said he later argued with Komatsu at the team’s facilities, prompting his removal.
Germany’s Bild offered a different account of the alleged physical contact. It reported that Ocon approached Komatsu on Saturday to apologise for their disagreement the previous day. Komatsu allegedly declined to speak, after which Ocon insisted and held the team principal by the shoulder. Ocon denied assaulting him.
In a social media post on Saturday night, Ocon acknowledged that there had been a disagreement and an argument, but said there had been no physical violence. He added that he condemned violence and believed disputes should be resolved professionally and respectfully.
Ocon is due to leave Haas at the end of the season, having scored seven points in 2026, compared with 23 for teammate Oliver Bearman. He has no confirmed seat for 2027 and could remain in Formula 1 as a reserve driver. The Frenchman is approaching his 200th Grand Prix, which was expected to take place in Brazil next weekend; his participation is now uncertain.
Sources: Folha Esporte.