Ocon denies reports of physical altercation behind dropping

Esteban Ocon has denied reports that his being dropped by Haas at the Mexico City Grand Prix was a consequence of a row with team principal Ayao Komatsu descending into a physical confrontation.

The Frenchman, 30, admitted in a statement on social media that "a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved".

But he said he "categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature".

His statement followed a report in France's L'Equipe, external which said that a meeting between Komatsu and Ocon "ended abruptly, perhaps even physically".