News Summary
- Esteban Ocon acknowledged a disagreement at Haas on Friday evening, shortly before the team unexpectedly withdrew him from the Mexican Grand Prix.
- The Frenchman categorically denied allegations that physical violence had occurred, responding to media reports about a possible confrontation.
- Ocon called for an end to speculation and promised further updates, without confirming whether he will return for the remaining four races of 2026.
Esteban Ocon has broken his silence over his sudden withdrawal from the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, acknowledging that a disagreement took place at Haas but categorically denying allegations of physical violence. In a statement published on his social media accounts on Saturday (31), the Frenchman addressed reports about a possible confrontation with team principal Ayao Komatsu and called for an end to speculation while the matter is being handled.
“Last night, a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved,” Ocon wrote. “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.”
Ocon acknowledges disagreement but rejects violence allegations
The statement followed a report by French newspaper L’Équipe, which claimed that an altercation between Ocon and Komatsu had preceded Haas’s decision to replace the driver with Ryō Hirakawa.
The publication also raised the possibility of a physical confrontation, although the circumstances had not been independently established.
Ocon’s statement confirms that a disagreement occurred but explicitly rejects the suggestion that it involved physical violence.
“I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding,” the Frenchman added.
He also asked that speculation surrounding the situation be avoided while the matter is addressed.
“Further updates will be communicated in due course,” Ocon concluded.
The driver did not identify the other people involved in the discussion or explain the precise subject of the disagreement.
Haas yet to explain Ocon’s withdrawal from Mexican GP
Haas unexpectedly removed Ocon from the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix on Saturday morning, despite the Frenchman having completed Friday’s FP2.
The team replaced him with reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa, who was subsequently authorised by the FIA to participate in qualifying and Sunday’s race.
Earlier on Saturday, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed Ocon was not ill but refused to explain the decision.
The situation followed a tense radio exchange between Ocon and race engineer Laura Mueller during FP2, when the Frenchman questioned a change to his tyre programme.
Neither Ocon nor Haas has confirmed that the radio disagreement directly caused the substitution.
The Frenchman’s participation in the remaining races also remains uncertain.
Hirakawa is scheduled to compete in the World Endurance Championship finale at Monza on November 8, the same day as the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Ocon is already set to leave Haas at the end of 2026, with Rafael Câmara confirmed as his replacement for next season.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
