Ocon denies reports of altercation after being dumped by Haas

French driver Esteban Ocon on Saturday denied reports that he had been dumped by the American Haas racing team after a disagreement with team chief Ayao Komatsu turned physical.

In a statement, the 30-year-old Frenchman said he "categorically rejected any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve" their differences.

Ocon, a veteran of 198 Grands Prix in a 10-year career with six different teams, was on Saturday replaced by Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa after Ocon had taken part in both practice sessions on Friday.

Hirakawa, 32, a Le Mans winner with Toyota and two-time world endurance champion, became the oldest debutant since Andre Lotterer at the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix while Haas gave no explanation for the abrupt change.

Ocon had an exchange on team radio during Friday's second practice with race engineer Laura Mueller in which they disagreed about tyre choice.

He was told that he was to run on mediums and not softs against his wishes.

"No, I want to do soft – don't do that to me," he said. "Come on!"

Ocon said the "difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved."

Haas had already announced last month that Ocon will be replaced next year by Brazilian Rafael Camara, who is a member of the Ferrari driver academy.

In his statement, Ocon said: “I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect and mutual understanding.

"I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed. Further updates will be communicated in due course."