Komatsu says Ocon sacking was purely professional

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has said that removing Esteban Ocon from the driver line-up was a strictly professional decision, though he declined to give details of what led to it. Ocon was replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa during the Mexico City Grand Prix, and Haas has confirmed the Frenchman will not return to its cockpit.

Komatsu told Sky Sports F1 in Sao Paulo that the outcome was not how the team had planned it and was not what he expected when he signed Ocon for the previous season. He said he felt it was the only decision he could make as team principal, adding that it had been a sad moment for the team.

Ocon, who had spent almost two seasons with Haas, had earlier denied reports of a physical confrontation with Komatsu on social media. Komatsu acknowledged that the workforce was surprised when he informed them of the change.