Haas team principal takes clear stance over Esteban Ocon furore

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu refused to shed any light on why Esteban Ocon had been replaced for this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.

Haas caused uproar in the paddock on Saturday morning when it announced that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa would replace Ocon for the remainder of the weekend at the Autodrómo Hermanos Rodríguez.

No reason was given, only confirming that Ocon's absence was not due to illness, sparking feverish speculation behind the team's decision.

Komatsu's appearance as the designated team principal offering opinions and thoughts on the sessions for Sky Sports F1 offered an opportunity for the matter to be clarified as final practice unfolded.

Komatsu, though, remained tight-lipped.

Asked simply to explain why there was no Ocon, Komatsu replied: "I can't tell you much, but at least I can tell you that he's not ill. That's as much I can tell you."

Suggested to Komatsu that Ocon's energised state on the radio during FP2 over the team's run plan may have played a part in his axing this weekend, the Japanese said: "No, I'm sorry, but I can't go into any details."

Looking ahead to next weekend's São Paulo GP and what could unfold, with Hirakawa competing at Monza in the World Endurance Championship for Toyota, and so unavailable, Komatsu said: "Honestly, the only thing I can say is we are focused on what's right in front of us, so trying to get Ryo in the best shape for quali this afternoon."

Pressed on whether Hirakawa's absence caused a problem, and whether another reserve would be drafted in, Komatsu signed off by saying, "Again, I've not got there yet. I'm really just focusing on this session right now."