Alpine driver Esteban Ocon indirectly responded to the false information that circulated on the internet the day after the Monaco Grand Prix where the Frenchman had to retire on the first lap of the race following contact with his teammate Pierre Gasly.
On the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon attempted to overtake his teammate’s car just before entering the tunnel, but unfortunately the two Alpines touched each other and Esteban Ocon’s was unable to do so. be repaired, forcing the Norman to abandon.
Judged responsible for this collision by the race stewards, Esteban Ocon received a five-place penalty on the starting grid for the Canadian Grand Prix (next round), while he publicly apologized for this “error » a few hours after the arrival of the Monaco Grand Prix.
But the Team Principal of the team, Bruno Famin, ignited the powder by reacting hotly on the microphone of Canal+ where he indicated that he was going to “settle to the chase” after a clash between teammates which would not have been should have taken place.
Neither one nor two, the “media” (often the same sites run by people you never meet in a paddock) jumped at the opportunity to circulate false information by announcing that Esteban Ocon would not be behind the wheel of his Alpine during the next race in Canada.
But this Friday, Esteban Ocon wanted to set the record straight by publishing a long message on his social networks in which the Alpine driver confirms his presence in Montreal next week for the ninth round of the world championship.
“A lot of things were said the day after the Monaco Grand Prix. Although I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity I have received online regarding my personality, conduct and career. » declared the Frenchman on his social networks.
“Thanks to the hard work, support and sacrifices of many people, I have raced in over 140 Grands Prix since my debut in 2016. I have always been a tough competitor and, like most drivers, I have had my share of incidents. »
“I had the chance to race alongside talented and experienced teammates, including winners Daniel [Ricciardo]Checo [Perez] and Peter [Gasly]and a double champion, Fernando [Alonso]. »
“As teammates, we often started races very close to each other, which in some cases involved difficult battles on track, and sometimes contact. »
“Of course I made mistakes. We are not Robots ; we are athletes who push ourselves every day to achieve our dreams 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. But the ill-informed statements and gross distortions I’ve seen online in recent days about my ability to work in a team have proven to be inaccurate, hurtful and damaging. »
“Since my first laps in motorsport, I have approached this sport with humility, professionalism and respect. These values were instilled in me from a very young age. »
“Even if each driver seeks individual glory, it will always be, above all, a team sport. I always followed the instructions given to me and raced to achieve the maximum for and with my team. »
“I took responsibility for the first lap incident last Sunday and, despite my retirement, I am pleased that the team added a point to the total in what has been a difficult start to the season for us all. »
“I respect Pierre as a teammate and as a competitor. We have always worked collaboratively and professionally as a team, and this will continue to be the case. »
“There is no reward without risk in Formula 1 – and race starts are intense, even more so in Monaco where the first lap can dictate your final result. »
“At the end of the day, we are all competitors and hard, fair racing on all tracks is what makes our sport so great and the main reason I love this sport so much. »
“I look forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and taking advantage of the exciting opportunities that the future holds.” » concluded the Alpine driver.
