Esteban Ocon, a member of the Alpine F1 team, has expressed his deep sadness about the online abuse he has received following his collision with Pierre Gasly during the Monaco Grand Prix. Ocon has faced criticism for breaking a pre-race agreement at Alpine by attempting to overtake his teammate’s car. The incident occurred on the first lap, when Gasly was stuck behind another car, and Ocon took the opportunity to pass him on the inside. Unfortunately, this resulted in Ocon’s car becoming airborne and suffering severe damage, while Gasly had a punctured tire. Alpine boss Bruno Famin was furious and suggested possible consequences for Ocon, including the possibility of being left out. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle also raised concerns about Ocon’s history of colliding with teammates, suggesting that this could affect his future prospects. Ocon has now turned to social media to address the criticisms he has faced and the painful allegations made about his conduct in races. He acknowledges that he has had incidents in the past, but emphasizes that he has always been a strong competitor and has had the privilege of racing alongside talented teammates. These fierce battles on the track have sometimes resulted in contact between them.
Surely, I have made sincere mistakes. We are not automatons; we are athletes pushing ourselves to the extreme every day to achieve our aspirations of triumphing in races.
Formula 1 is a sport where emotions run high and passion runs deep.
I witness and experience this every weekend at the circuit and on social media… the positive and the negative.
However, the misguided statements and exaggerated distortions I have witnessed online in recent days regarding my ability to collaborate with a team have been incorrect, harmful, and damaging.
Since my early days in motorsport, I have approached this sport with modesty, professionalism, and respect. These principles have been instilled in me from a very young age.
Although every driver seeks individual glory, this will always primarily be a team sport.
I have consistently followed the guidelines given to me and raced to achieve the maximum for and alongside my team.
I have taken responsibility for the incident on the first lap last Sunday and, despite my not finishing (DNF), I am pleased that the team has added a point to the overall score in a challenging start to the season for all of us.
I hold Pierre in high regard as a teammate and as a competitor. We have always collaborated and behaved professionally within the team, and that will continue to be the case.
There is no reward without risk in Formula 1 – and race starts are particularly intense, even more so in Monaco, where the opening lap can determine your final result.
In the end, we are all competitors and intense and fair races throughout the field are what makes our sport so remarkable and the main reason why I love this sport so much.
Ocon also indicated that he will be participating in the next race in Canada next weekend, despite reports that a one-race ban could be imposed as a penalty.
“I am looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the amazing Canadian fans, and embracing the exciting prospects that the future holds. Esteban,” he concluded.
© 2024
Dramatic events unfolded during the soccer match between rival teams, Flamengo and Vasco, last Sunday. The game, which was played at Maracanã Stadium, was marked by tension and rivalry between the players and fans.
Right at the beginning of the match, there was a fight between two players, resulting in red cards for both. This further fueled the fans’ emotions, who started to clash in the stands. The police had to intervene to control the situation and prevent further conflicts.
Despite the confusion, the game continued and Flamengo managed to score the first goal. The red-black fans celebrated intensely, while Vasco fans were left disheartened. However, Vasco did not give up and managed to equalize the game in the second half. The match ended 1-1, leaving both teams unsatisfied.
After the final whistle, the players greeted each other, but the rivalry between the fans continued. There were reports of clashes between Flamengo and Vasco supporters in the streets near the stadium. Once again, the police had to intervene to prevent further issues.
Overall, the game was marked by a lot of tension and rivalry, both on and off the field. It is hoped that the teams and fans will learn to deal with these situations peacefully and respectfully in the future. Football is a sport that should unite people, not divide them.
