Esteban Ocon has denied reports that his removal from the Haas lineup at the Mexico City Grand Prix resulted from a physical confrontation with team principal Ayao Komatsu.
The 30-year-old French driver said in a social media statement that "a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved" but he "categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature."
The denial follows a report in French newspaper L'Equipe which claimed a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon "ended abruptly, perhaps even physically."
Haas decided to stand Ocon down for the remainder of the Mexico City weekend after a dispute with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre choice during second practice on Friday. Mueller informed Ocon that plans to run the soft-compound tyre had been changed to the medium, to which Ocon replied: "No, no. I want to do soft... don't do that to me, come on."
The team has not provided further details on what happened after the session. Haas announced last month that Ocon would leave the team at the end of the 2026 season, with Brazilian Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara set to replace him.
Neither Haas nor Ocon's management have commented on whether Ocon will drive for the team again in the remaining races of the season.
Ocon's statement continued: "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."
