Esteban Ocon has vehemently denied speculation that his relationship with Haas is souring and is on the verge of being axed from the American outfit.
Esteban has struggled for pace in Formula 1 in 2026, comfortably outpaced by teammate Ollie Bearman who is hust his second season.
The difference in the driver’s standings is stark, Ocon has just one point on the board, compared to Bearman’s tally of 17.
But the Frenchman has firmly denied speculation in Canada of a rift with Haas, and that he is periliously close to being dropped by the American outfit.
“Yeah, honestly, it’s complete bullshit to be honest,” he said to media on Thursday, including Motorsport Week.
” It’s unbelievable. I mean, we were just talking with Ayao [Komatsu] just now. The article I saw was calling him ‘Ryo Komatsu’, which is quite funny. And they were even saying that we had a massive dispute in Miami.
“And this is complete nonsense. Honestly, it’s all fabricated and complete bullshit. As I said, I came to this team for the reason that I know Ayao since so long. I got a great relationship with him .That’s always been the case.
“There’s nothing like what people have been saying going on. It’s completely not true. I’m fully focused on what I have to do, the job I have to do with the team. I’m fully on board with the team for the whole year. I got a contract with the team.
“So, I mean, Ayao will tell you more later. But honestly, it’s crazy how things have escalated. And honestly, it’s been like…I mean, I try not to pay attention too much. But when it gets so big, it’s almost like bullying, in a way.
“So, I feel good. I feel relaxed in the team. We are doing a great job in the last couple of races. It’s been, unfortunately, a bit in the beginning. As we know, we have Safety Cars and stuff. But the pace and the base foundation of the work that we are doing is there. So, it’s nothing wrong for now.”
Esteban Ocon confident of his future?
Ocon was coy on whether Haas will exercise their option on him for 2027, but confirmed there was no imminent emergency or danger of him losing his seat.
“I mean, at the moment, we are only four races in,'” he said.
“All these chats, they happen in summer. They always do. So, at the moment, we are just focusing on what we have to do. And then we’ll see about the future later. But there’s no emergency or dispute. We don’t talk with Ayao or the team.
“It’s all been fabricated. So, it’s unbelievable.”
Talk of losing his seat after jus four races may be fabricated, but it does indicate that Ocon is under pressure. He cannot afford a weekend off the radar in Canada, and must finish ahead of his teammate.
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