Esteban Ocon denies being violent in first words since losing Haas F1 seat

Esteban Ocon has strongly denied allegations of physical violence following his abrupt dismissal by the Haas F1 Team during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. The French driver was suddenly dropped on Saturday morning and replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa without immediate official explanation. Ocon acknowledged that a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion on Friday night, but firmly rejected claims that any physical altercation occurred.

The denial followed a report by French newspaper L'Equipe alleging a potential physical confrontation between Ocon and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. Tensions were also visible earlier on Friday during second practice, when Ocon engaged in a heated radio disagreement with race engineer Laura Mueller regarding a tire compound decision.