Esteban Ocon isn’t holding back. Despite the backlash over his crash with teammate Pierre Gasly in Monaco, he confirmed he’ll be racing in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
Ocon’s attempt to overtake Gasly at Portier resulted in a collision that led to his early exit from the race. While Ocon publicly apologized, team boss Bruno Famin hinted at ‘consequences,’ with rumors swirling about the possibility of Ocon being benched for the next race.
Taking to social media, Ocon addressed the ‘abuse’ and ‘misinformed statements’ he’s faced online, firmly asserting his spot in the Montreal race. He expressed disappointment over the negative comments about his character and driving skills.
“Much has been said in the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix. While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving, and my career,” Ocon wrote.
He highlighted his extensive experience in motorsport, having competed in over 140 Grands Prix since his debut in 2016. He emphasized that he has always been a fierce competitor but acknowledged that incidents are part of the sport.
Ocon mentioned the various talented teammates he has raced with, including Daniel Ricciardo, Checo Perez, Pierre Gasly, and Fernando Alonso. He noted that racing close to each other sometimes leads to tough battles and occasional contact.
“Of course, I have made honest mistakes. We are not robots; we are athletes pushing ourselves to the limit every day to achieve our dream of winning races. F1 is a sport where emotions run high and passions run deep. I see and feel this every weekend at the track and on social media… the good and the bad,” he added.
Ocon criticized the ‘misinformed statements and gross distortions’ about his ability to work with a team, calling them inaccurate and damaging. He reaffirmed his commitment to the sport’s core values of humility, professionalism, and respect.
Despite the rough start to the season, Ocon remains focused on team success. He took responsibility for the Monaco incident but praised his team for securing a point despite his retirement from the race.
“I respect Pierre as a teammate and as a competitor. We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team, and this will continue to be the case. There is no reward without risk in Formula One – and race starts are intense, even more so in Monaco when the opening lap can dictate your finishing result,” he continued.
Ending on a positive note, Ocon shared his excitement for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix and the future opportunities that lie ahead.
Alpine currently sits at P9 in the F1 2024 Constructors’ standings, with just two points scored this season. Ocon’s statements clarify his intentions and commitment ahead of the Canadian GP.
Source: Planetf1
