Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has said removing Esteban Ocon was a decision he had to make for the best of the team.
Ocon was withdrawn midway through last week's Mexican Grand Prix, with the Frenchman admitting to a disagreement with his team.
The 30-year-old swiftly denied reports that there had been a violent altercation but Haas confirmed this week that the Frenchman -- already leaving at the end of the season -- would not drive for them again.
Speaking on Saturday ahead of this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix, Komatsu said he could not give details due to the ongoing process but was comfortable he had done the right thing for Haas.
"At the end of the day I am the team principal and every decision I make is 'what do I need to do for the best interest of this team?'" Komatsu said.
"In that sense it gives me clarity, I had clarity of what I needed to do. I have to make a decision purely based on professionalism.
"Every time I go back to that. Of course it is not easy but at least I am comfortable in myself...
"I can't go into any details but this is F1, every day is a new challenge. I take any new challenge as an opportunity to learn and do the right thing.
"Not to say the situation that happened in Mexico is something I look for. But again I've got a responsibility, so I have to stay 100% professional and a make a decision for the best of the team."
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Ocon took part in second practice in Mexico, during which he had a radio argument with race engineer Laura Muller, before being replaced for the rest of the weekend by Ryo Hirakawa.
The Japanese driver went on to score a point in the race. This weekend, Rafael Câmara will partner Oliver Bearman -- with the Brazilian confirmed to be driving for Haas full-time next season.
Komatsu believes his Haas team have come through the events of the last week in good spirits.
"It is almost two years working with Esteban, it has taught me a lot," he added.
"On Saturday morning when I had to tell the boys and girls here that Esteban is not driving any more, everyone was surprised but I could not go into any details.
"Normally I would want to be as transparent as possible but on this one I cannot. I said 'all I ask is give Ryo everything.' But again it's just brilliant, they got on with it.
"The team deserved that point and they are in good spirits. Everybody is just focused, I don't know if the atmosphere has changed but the team is in a good place."