The Alpine Formula 1 driver, Esteban Ocon, who has been facing criticism after his collision with Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix, took to social media to defend himself and express remorse for the negative feedback he has received. Ocon tried to overtake Gasly on the inside at the Portier corner on the first lap of the race, resulting in contact that sent his Alpine car airborne. Although Gasly’s position on the track was not affected, Ocon’s car suffered gearbox damage that prevented him from continuing. Team boss Bruno Famin expressed anger during a live interview, suggesting there would be consequences for Ocon, and Gasly hinted that Ocon had broken a pre-race agreement. Speculations arose that Ocon could be sidelined for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. In a statement released on Friday, Ocon addressed the speculations and defended his conduct, while acknowledging his reputation as a difficult teammate due to previous incidents with Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso. Ocon took responsibility for the Monaco crash but disputed Gasly’s version of events, stating that he always followed the instructions given to him. Ocon is set to leave the Alpine team at the end of the year but is expected to have other options in Formula 1.
Ocon expressed his sadness at the abuse and negativity he has received online regarding his character, driving skills, and career. He highlighted his experience in over 140 Grand Prix races since his debut in 2016 and acknowledged that, like most drivers, he has had incidents on the track. Ocon mentioned his talented and experienced teammates, including Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly, and Fernando Alonso, emphasizing that starting races in close proximity often leads to tough battles and occasional contact. He admitted to making honest mistakes, emphasizing that Formula 1 is a sport fueled by intense emotions and deep passions. Ocon condemned the uninformed statements and distortions about his ability to work as a team, stating that they were inaccurate, harmful, and damaging. He emphasized that he has always approached the sport with humility, professionalism, and respect, values instilled in him from a young age. Ocon reiterated that Formula 1 is a team sport, and he has always followed the instructions given to him, seeking to achieve the best results for his team. He took responsibility for the incident in Monaco and expressed appreciation for the team’s ability to secure a point despite the challenging start to the season. Ocon expressed respect for Gasly as a teammate and competitor, highlighting their collaborative and professional relationship within the team. He acknowledged that risk is inherent in Formula 1 and that intense starts, especially in Monaco, can dictate the outcome of a race. Ocon concluded by expressing his excitement to compete in Montreal and the future opportunities that lie ahead.
