Ocon denies violence after Haas drops him in Mexico

Esteban Ocon denied that physical violence was involved in a Friday discussion at Haas, after the team removed him from the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix and replaced him with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. In a statement issued Saturday, Ocon said a difference in viewpoints had led to a discussion with people at the team. He categorically rejected reports that physical violence had been used and called for disagreements to be handled professionally and respectfully. He also asked that speculation be avoided while the matter is addressed. Haas announced the change on Saturday, several hours before final practice, but did not publicly explain why Ocon would not continue for the rest of the weekend. A Haas spokesperson said the decision was not due to illness. The team has not confirmed whether Ocon will return for the Brazilian Grand Prix or any later rounds this season. The discussion followed a Friday practice session in which Ocon disagreed over team radio with race engineer Laura Mueller about a change to his tyre plan. Mueller said the team needed to switch to medium tyres; Ocon said he had wanted to use soft tyres. Reports described the exchange as relating to a...