Ocon defends his driving after ‘hurtful abuse’ over Monaco GP crash with Gasly · RaceFans

Esteban Ocon has defended his driving following criticism over the first-lap collision together with his group mate which put him out of the final race.

The 2 Alpine drivers tangled at Portier on the primary lap of the Monaco Grand Prix when Ocon tried to overhaul Pierre Gasly. Whereas Gasly was in a position to proceed and scored a degree within the race, Ocon retired.

Ocon mentioned he had been “deeply saddened by the quantity of abuse and negativity that I’ve obtained on-line relating to my character, my driving, and my profession” for the reason that crash on Sunday.

He mentioned he has “all the time been a troublesome competitor” and “like most drivers, I’ve had my share of incidents.” Nonetheless he rejected claims he tends to collide together with his group mates.

“I’ve been fortunate to race alongside proficient and skilled group mates, together with race winners Daniel [Ricciardo], Checo [Perez] and Pierre [Gasly], and a double champion in Fernando [Alonso]. As group mates, we might typically begin races very shut to one another which in some circumstances meant some powerful battles on monitor, and generally contact.”

Alpine group principal Bruno Famin held Ocon chargeable for the collision when he spoke throughout the race and mentioned there can be “consequence” for it. Ocon accepted he has “made sincere errors” at occasions.

“We aren’t robots,” mentioned Ocon. “We’re athletes pushing ourselves to the restrict day by day to realize our goals of profitable races. F1 is a sport the place feelings run excessive and passions run deep. I see and really feel this each weekend on the monitor and on social media… the nice and the dangerous.

Advert | Turn out to be a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

“However the misinformed statements and gross distortions that I’ve seen on-line in current days about my capability to work with a group have been inaccurate, hurtful, and damaging.”

Ocon burdened that, whereas he accepted the blame for the collision, he has “all the time adopted the directions I’ve been given and raced to realize the utmost for and with my group.”

“I took accountability for the incident on lap one final Sunday and, regardless of my DNF [did not finish], I’m glad the group added a degree to the tally in what has been a troublesome begin to the season for all of us,” he added. “I respect Pierre as a group mate and as a competitor. Now we have all the time labored collaboratively and professionally contained in the group, and it will proceed to be the case.”

“There isn’t any reward with out danger in System 1 – and race begins are intense, much more so in Monaco the place the opening lap can dictate your ending outcome,” he added. “Ultimately, we’re all opponents and arduous, truthful racing all through the sector is what makes our sport so nice and the primary cause why I really like this sport a lot.

“I’m wanting ahead to competing in Montreal, in entrance of the incredible Canadian followers, and to the thrilling alternatives the future holds.”

Ocon’s full assertion on his Monaco Grand Prix collision

A lot has been mentioned within the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix. Whereas I’ve obtained many messages of assist, I’ve been deeply saddened by the quantity of abuse and negativity that I’ve obtained on-line relating to my character, my driving, and my profession.

Because of the arduous work, assist, and sacrifice of many individuals, I’ve raced in over 140 grands prix to this point since my debut in 2016. I’ve all the time been a troublesome competitor, and, like most drivers, I’ve had my share of incidents.

I’ve been fortunate to race alongside proficient and skilled group mates, together with race winners Daniel, Checo and Pierre, and a double champion in Fernando. As group mates, we might typically begin races very shut to one another which in some circumstances meant some powerful battles on monitor, and generally contact.

Advert | Turn out to be a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

After all, I’ve made sincere errors. We aren’t robots; we’re athletes pushing ourselves to the restrict day by day to realize our goals of profitable races. F1 is a sport the place feelings run excessive and passions run deep. I see and really feel this each weekend on the monitor and on social media… the nice and the dangerous.

However the misinformed statements and gross distortions that I’ve seen on-line in current days about my capability to work with a group have been inaccurate, hurtful, and damaging.

Since my first laps in motorsport, I’ve approached this sport with humility, professionalism, and respect. These values have been instilled in me from a really younger age. Whereas every driver chases particular person glory, it will all the time be a group sport at the start. I’ve all the time adopted the directions I’ve been given and raced to realize the utmost for and with my group.

I took accountability for the incident on lap one final Sunday and, regardless of my DNF, I’m glad the group added a degree to the tally in what has been a troublesome begin to the season for all of us. I respect Pierre as a group mate and as a competitor. Now we have all the time labored collaboratively and professionally contained in the group, and it will proceed to be the case.

There isn’t any reward with out danger in System 1 – and race begins are intense, much more so in Monaco the place the opening lap can dictate your ending outcome. Ultimately, we’re all opponents and arduous, truthful racing all through the sector is what makes our sport so nice and the primary cause why I really like this sport a lot.

I’m wanting ahead to competing in Montreal, in entrance of the incredible Canadian followers, and to the thrilling alternatives the future holds.

Advert | Turn out to be a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2024 Monaco Grand Prix

Browse all 2024 Monaco Grand Prix articles