Haas team boss blasts 'invented' Bearman salary story

Haas team chief Ayao Komatsu on Friday rejected claims that high salary demands by Oliver Bearman were the reason why his contract extension for next year had not been completed.

Speaking at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Komatsu went on the attack and said that stories suggesting the British driver, 21, was asking for too much money were untrue.

He accused those involved of inventing the story to generate "clicks".

Bearman has enjoyed a strong season, while the American team have announced his teammate – Frenchman Esteban Ocon – is to be replaced by Brazilian Rafael Camara next year.

When he was asked about reports that Bearman wanted 6 million euros, Komatsu said he had “no idea where that comes from – honestly, I've experienced this sometimes this season as well.

"People say there’s no smoke without fire, but really some people just invent the story."

He added that he did not know "who has smokes up this 6 million euros number, and I have no comment to make because it is not even close to the truth."

Komatsu added that both the team and Bearman wanted to continue next season but declined to say what was delaying the confirmation of a deal.