The head of the Alpine Formula 1 team, Bruno Famin, expressed strong disapproval of Esteban Ocon’s involvement in the collision with Pierre Gasly during the Monaco Grand Prix. This incident resulted in Ocon receiving a grid penalty.
During the original race start, Ocon made a risky move on the inside of Gasly at Portier on the first lap, causing Gasly’s Alpine to be squeezed against the outer barrier. This led to Ocon flying and both cars suffering damage.
Before the red flag was shown, the Alpine drivers made contact, resulting in Ocon being unable to rejoin due to significant gearbox damage. Famin clarified that a gearbox change would be necessary.
Although the general leniency usually shown by Formula 1 on the first lap may have played a role in the lack of action against other incidents that caused the red flag, Ocon was not exempt from blame. It was determined that Ocon’s overtaking attempt from a too far position was the sole cause of the collision.
According to officials, Ocon was fully responsible for the incident. Since he could not serve the penalty during the race, it will be converted into a five-place grid penalty, which Ocon will serve in Canada.
Famin’s comments during a broadcast on the French channel Canal+ made it clear that he shared a similar perspective on the incident. He described the incident as unfortunate and considered Ocon’s attack as completely inappropriate. Famin also indicated that there would be swift and significant consequences.
In response to the penalty decision, Ocon acknowledged the need to be cautious when racing against a teammate, but emphasized that mistakes are a natural result of pushing to the limit to score points.
On social media, Ocon adopted a more apologetic stance, taking responsibility for the incident and expressing his apologies to the team. He was hoping for a well-deserved points finish for the team.
