Ocon allegedly physically attacked his team boss. But firmly denies claim in first statement

Everything suggests that second practice in Mexico was Esteban Ocon’s last dance Formula 1. It could be said that the Frenchman said goodbye in the same manner that characterised his entire career – aggressively and controversially. Given the circumstances of his departure, many suspected that something very serious must have happened…

During qualifying in Mexico, details began to emerge of what had happened in the Haas garage on Friday. When a team decides to sack its driver in the middle of a race weekend, it must have a good reason.

It is not easy for teams from a contractual perspective either. Sure, Haas had no intention to keep Ocon for 2027, but he had a valid contract until the end of the season. Dismissing him without cause in the middle of a weekend would certainly not have been easy unless Esteban had committed gross misconduct.

According to multiple sources, however, that is precisely what happened on Friday. “Friday’s encounter between team principal Ayao Komatsu and Ocon came to an ugly end, possibly even involving physical contact, although neither party responded to our requests for comment,” French newspaper L’Equipe wrote.

“Relations between the driver and his boss had grown increasingly strained over the course of the season. Ocon felt isolated and inadequately supported as he struggled with the car’s inconsistent performance, while Komatsu had grown frustrated with his driver’s repeated criticism of the team’s work,” the French publication wrote.

Relations between Ocon and Komatsu do indeed appear to have been far from ideal. The Japanese engineer had already criticised Esteban’s performances from the previous year during pre-season test in Barcelona. When the team later decided not to retain Ocon, Ayao repeatedly emphasised that he wants a “team player” above all when asked about a new driver, in what appeared to be a clear message to the Frenchman.

The clash in Mexico was therefore apparently the culmination of a long-running internal problem. “Earlier on Friday, the Normandy-born driver had reportedly also been involved in a tense exchange with his race engineer, Laura Müller, over the set-up chosen for his car during the opening two free practice sessions of the Mexican Grand Prix,” the L’Equipe article continued.

“The package, particularly in terms of tyres, may have left him at a disadvantage on track. Hardly an ideal situation for a driver approaching the end of his Haas contract and desperately needing to impress in the closing races of the season to secure another seat,” the French newspaper added.

If that is true, it is hardly surprising that Komatsu decided to sack Ocon on the spot. If a driver attacks both his engineer and his boss, even verbally, let alone physically, immediate dismissal is justified. L’Equipe is not the only source making these claims.

“I’ve heard from more than one highly reliable, well-connected source in the paddock that Ocon’s confrontation with the team yesterday was extremely ugly. So ugly, in fact, that it allegedly escalated into a physical altercation in which Komatsu was assaulted — although Komatsu himself has yet to confirm the reports,” veteran Formula 1 journalist Julianne Cerasoli wrote.

“That would explain why the team acted so swiftly. Ocon will not race for Haas again,” she added.

Ocon categorically denies allegations

If media reports are true, the Frenchman headed straight to the airport on Saturday and flew home. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took his place in the cockpit. Haas is likely to face a considerable amount of legal work in the week before the Brazilian Grand Prix, an unwelcome burden for a team fighting fiercely to hold on to seventh place in the constructors’ championship.

At this stage, we do not know who will drive for Haas in Brazil. The team declined to comment on the situation and did not say who would race next weekend. Ocon himself, however, did speak out.

On Saturday evening, he posted a statement on social media categorically denying that any physical confrontation had taken place. He did, however, acknowledge that there had been an exchange of views after second practice.

“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,” Ocon wrote.

“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 any differences of any nature,” the Frenchman stated.

I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding,” he wrote.

He ended by attempting to stem the tide of speculation. We are convinced, however, that he will not succeed. “I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” Ocon added.