HAAS have confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not return to his seat for the rest of the Formula One season.
The French racing driver was mysteriously dropped by the team for the Mexico Grand Prix – being replaced by Ryo Hirakawa, with Haas only confirming the one-time Grand Prix winner was not ill.
But it was reported that the driver had a heated confrontation with team boss Ayao Komatsu. Ocon vehemently denied the idea that he was physically violent towards anyone in a statement at the weekend, but it seems whatever went on behind closed doors was enough for the team to call time on their relationship with the 30-year-old driver.
A statement from Komatsu was released by Haas that read: “Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City. But then, as now, we feel this is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward.
“The conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter, and we will continue to respect the private nature of closed-door situations.”
Ocon was due to leave the team at the end of the season, but his departure has now arrived with four races of the season remaining. Brazilian F2 star Rafael Camara was due to take his seat for next season.
But now it has been confirmed that he will make his debut early, as he starts alongside Ollie Bearman for Haas at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Little information is known about the nature of the confrontation that led to the sudden breakup. But Ocon spoke out after initially being dropped to shut down rumours of a physical altercation.
He wrote: “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.
“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 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.” – Sun
