Esteban Ocon and Haas F1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu have denied rumors of a rift between them, with Ocon calling the reports 'fabricated with no foundation' after a difficult start to the Formula 1 season.
What happened?
The rumors emerged after the Miami Grand Prix, with some outlets suggesting Ocon could leave the team before the season was over.
Ocon met the media in Montreal and outlined the mistakes in the stories, including a report that called Komatsu 'Ryo Komatsu'.
Why it matters for Esteban Ocon
The stories had an impact on Ocon mentally, affecting his sponsors and family, he said.
Ocon has gotten off to a slow start this season, with just one point to his credit over the first four races.
What comes next?
Komatsu also denied the rumors, calling them 'absolute bull****' and saying he had no idea where the story came from.
The Haas boss said he spoke to Ocon on Thursday morning, but there was nothing to discuss.
Ocon and Komatsu's denials come ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, where they will look to turn their season around.
The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on June 18, 2023, and Ocon will be looking to score his second point of the season.
And with the rumors behind them, Ocon and Komatsu can focus on the task at hand.
But the slow start to the season will still be a concern for the team.
So Ocon will be looking to push hard and get a good result in Canada.
The team's reserve driver, Ryō Hirakawa, also drives for Toyota Racing in the World Endurance Championship.
Ocon has known Komatsu for a long time, and joined the team because of him.
Komatsu was Ocon's first race engineer in F1, and the two have a strong relationship.
The rumors were a distraction for the team, but they can now focus on the rest of the season.
Ocon will be looking to build on his one point from the first four races, and get back to scoring regularly.
The Canadian Grand Prix will be a key race for Ocon and Haas F1, as they look to turn their season around.