Ocon breaks his silence after being struck down by Haas in the middle of the Mexican GP: “There was discussion, but at no time was there physical violence to resolve differences”

Early Saturday morning the bombing was confirmed: Haas suddenly dropped Esteban Ocon and put the Japanese Ryo Hirakawa, its reserve driver, to do the remainder of the Mexican GP. According to the information coming from the Autódromo de los Hermanos Rodríguez, all this controversy was triggered by a strong discussion between the French driver and members of the American team at the training analysis meeting on Friday.

It is clear that the moment between driver and team is very tense. Especially since Haas decided not to renew Ocon, which leaves the Frenchman without a seat on the Formula 1 grid for next year. The question is what will happen now: if this decision is only for the Mexican GP or also for the remainder of the season. In the statement issued on Saturday it was not specified.

Hours after the news broke and even after the classification was disputed, Ocon broke his silence through the social network X to clarify what happened and to deny any information that ensured that the discussion would come to blows.

“Following the recent decision by the Haas F1 team confirming that I will not be taking part in this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, I wish to formally address some media reports and speculation surrounding this situation,” Ocon explained. “Last night, A difference of opinion led to a discussion between the parties involved.. While I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any information or accusation suggesting that any form of physical violence has been resorted to. to resolve differences of any nature”

“I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be addressed with professionalism, respect and mutual understanding. I pray that speculation be avoided while this matter is resolved.. More news will be communicated in due course,” he concluded.

Is your time in F1 over?

The problem for Ocon is that if he does not get back into Haas during the remainder of the season It is possible that he has already competed in his last race in Formula 1. At least for now. He does not have a seat for next year and, despite the latest rumors that indicate that he could end up at Cadillac in case Bottas does not continue, nothing has been signed.

According to ‘Autosport’, Another option that is on the table is Aston Martin. The Frenchman, if he does not want to leave the F1 paddock, could end up in the British team as a reserve driver and share a box with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. He already met the Spaniard in Alpine and it was not exactly the most fruitful relationship between teammates.