Haas F1 Boss Ayao Komatsu Fumes at 'Absolute Bulls***' Driver Exit Rumors

Haas Formula 1 boss Ayao Komatsu doesn’t do polite non-answers, so his response to speculation about Esteban Ocon’s future and a supposed fall-out in Miami was predictably scathing. He called the claims “absolute bulls***” with “zero foundation whatsoever,” and launched into a sustained dismantling of what he sees as baseless gossip masquerading as journalism.

Why it matters:

The rapid spread of unverified rumors – suggesting a mid-season split and a desire to replace Ocon with Yuki Tsunoda – forced the team to waste time addressing a crisis that never existed. Komatsu’s fury underscores how easily unchecked speculation can undermine driver morale, unsettle management, and damage reputations with no accountability.

The details:

• The story appears to have originated from a Brazilian journalist being misquoted or mistranslated into Japanese, then amplified by French media without fact-checking.
• Komatsu specifically refuted any confrontation in Miami: “I didn't even have a single argument with Esteban in Miami.”
• He questioned the motivation, suggesting some outlets “really want to create s***” to push a Japanese driver (Tsunoda) into the seat.
• Ocon himself described the experience as “almost like bullying,” saying his reputation was materially damaged “in two or three days” by writers who face no consequences.
• When asked if he would keep both Ocon and Ollie Bearman for 2027, Komatsu declined to answer, fearing his words would be taken out of context.

What's next:

Komatsu made clear that while the immediate fallout is contained, the episode has real costs: Ocon and his management have been unsettled, and the team’s credibility is at risk if such stories continue. “Any media that runs that kind of bulls*** story loses credibility, in my mind.” The broader lesson for the F1 rumor mill is that even a vehement denial from a team principal may not stop the next cycle of unverified claims.