Ocon and Komatsu Deny Rumors of Rift After Miami Grand Prix

Esteban Ocon’s challenging start to the Formula 1 season has sparked speculation regarding potential disagreements with team principal Ayao Komatsu following the Miami Grand Prix. Some reports even hinted that Ocon might leave the team before the season concludes.

During Thursday’s media event at the Canadian Grand Prix, both Ocon and Komatsu were quick to refute the rumors, with Komatsu labeling them as “absolute nonsense.”

Earlier that day, Ocon met with journalists in Montreal, highlighting inaccuracies in at least one article, which he described as a “baseless fabrication.”

“These stories are completely fabricated. There’s no real source. I joined this team because of Ayao; I’ve known him for quite some time,” Ocon stated.

He further added, “He was my first race engineer in F1, and he will clarify everything in the media. There was no issue in Miami, but when I saw the article that led to this, they misnamed him Ryo Komatsu. As soon as I read that, I just stopped reading.”

Ryo Hirakawa is the team’s reserve driver and also races for Toyota Racing in the World Endurance Championship.

Ocon mentioned that the speculation had taken a toll on him mentally, especially after the Miami Grand Prix.

“At the end of the day, I’m a human being. When this escalates so much, it impacts my sponsors, my family, everyone around me,” he expressed.

He added, “It’s not normal to create such a story and act like nothing is wrong. You can’t just lie.”

Ocon remarked, “I’ve never encountered anything like this in F1 before. What truly matters is the work we do together as a team, and as long as Ayao is satisfied with our efforts, that’s what’s most important.”

Later, Komatsu addressed the press with even more passion against the rumors.

“Honestly, I have no idea where that story originated. It has no basis; it’s pure nonsense,” Komatsu said.

He continued, “If someone wants to write such things, that’s their choice. But is that journalism? I don’t know. It’s ridiculous—what are they trying to achieve? There’s no foundation for it.”

When asked if he had discussed the rumors with Ocon, Komatsu noted that they had a conversation that morning, but it didn’t delve into the rumors.

“I talked with him this morning, and there’s nothing we need to defend,” he remarked. “It’s unbelievable. Apparently, he had issues in Miami, but where did that come from? They never even had a disagreement in Miami.”

Both Ocon and Komatsu acknowledged the impact of the rumors on the team.

“Esteban is concerned, and so is his manager. He knows that we didn’t have any arguments in Miami, at least not about anything significant. This morning, we were all smiles, talking about what’s happening,” Komatsu explained.

He concluded firmly, “I need to clarify this because it’s complete nonsense. It’s the last thing we need.”

This season, Ocon has struggled, having earned just one point in the first four races, leaving him 16 points behind teammate Oliver Bearman. However, Haas remains in sixth place in the standings with a total of 18 points, ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.