Ocon denies using violence in his disagreement with Haas
Esteban Ocon has claimed there was a "difference in viewpoints" within Haas prior to his shock replacement in the middle of Formula 1's Mexican Grand Prix weekend - but has rejected speculation "physical violence was used".
Ocon has been replaced by Haas reserve Ryo Hirakawa in Mexico, where the Japanese driver had filled in already during FP1 as part of his test and reserve programme.
On Saturday morning, Haas made the surprise announcement that Ocon - who had been back in the car for FP2 - would not complete the rest of the weekend and Hirakawa would make his F1 qualifying and race debut instead.
Haas did not give a reason why but it soon became clear it was not related to illness or injury - the factors typically responsible for a mid-weekend change like this.
In the vacuum left by an official explanation, some speculation alluded to an altercation on Friday evening. French newspaper L'Equipe even reported "the meeting between team principal Ayao Komatsu and Ocon ended abruptly, perhaps even physically".
After a frustrated radio communication with his race engineer Laura Mueller in FP2, over a runplan change Ocon was not happy with, he returned to his garage with his crash helmet still on and seemed demonstrably frustrated, but there was no evidence of anything untoward taking place thereafter.
Ocon remained silent on his mid-weekend exit when it happened and for most of Saturday but after qualifying he issued a statement that was more focused on correcting a version of events he had become aware of, than it was addressing his situation.
"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," said Ocon.
"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.
"I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding.
"I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed.
"Further updates will be communicated in due course."
That Ocon acknowledges a "difference in viewpoints" and then "differences of any nature" is vague but at least supports the interpretation that benching him was a deliberate choice made by Haas in response to something that happened after practice.
Exactly what that was remains unclear, though, given Haas refuses to discuss the matter further and team boss Ayao Komatsu repeatedly declined to comment when interviewed by Sky Sports F1 while on the pitwall during FP3.
Hirakawa qualified 19th fastest on his F1 debut in Ocon's place.
