Esteban Ocon says his Haas doubters aren’t watching F1 races properly

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Esteban Ocon has addressed rumours that he and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu had a falling out behind the scenes.

The Frenchman has not been delivering the results that Haas expected when they signed him from Alpine. Komatsu himself admitted this, with teammate Oliver Bearman getting the better of him in 2025.

Things have not improved in 2026, and there is growing pressure around his future in F1. Yuki Tsunoda is having serious talks with Haas, while Rafael Camara is also a target as Ocon’s contract expires at the end of the season.

Esteban Ocon labels rumours that he fell out with Ayao Komatsu as ‘rubbish’

Rumours started circulating that Ocon had a falling out with Komatsu at the Miami GP, fueling speculation that he could be leaving Haas in 2026.

It was even suggested that Ocon may not finish the season and that Komatsu would replace him before the end of the year. But the team principal silenced those rumours in Monaco, and the Haas driver has now done the same.

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Speaking to Automoto.It, the Frenchman felt the need to address the rumours, calling them ‘rubbish’. He also insists that people are not paying attention to his races properly, as he has been closer to Bearman than the standings suggest.

“These are things I try not to pay too much attention to,” he said. “But if they become such a big deal, it’s right to address them.

“Internally, Ayao and I knew full well that it was all rubbish born of speculation, from people who don’t even follow the races that closely. What people are focusing on is the points gap between me and Ollie.

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“In Miami we were close in terms of performance, and in China too. In Japan I was ahead, as I was in Australia until the Safety Car came out. Everything that could have gone wrong for me did.”

He added that such rumours “aren’t good for the team, which is facing unwarranted criticism. We’re focusing on our goal, and such distractions are just background noise. The same goes for my sponsors and my family.

“For me, the most important thing has always been having a great support network, with my family, my girlfriend and those who support me around me. It creates a solid foundation.”