What a Sunday! In the space of a few hours, Esteban Ocon achieved a superb qualification (4th time) and an exceptional race in Brazil (2nd place) yesterday. He certainly didn’t expect to be on the podium at Interlagos but once again, his mastery of the wet conditions showed.
Even the Norman still couldn’t believe it last night, at a press conference!
“I’m not even sure if this is reality or a dream. But I smell champagne, so I think it’s real. It was an incredible day. »
“Who would have thought we would qualify 4th? As soon as these wet conditions set in, it really leveled out the level of the cars. And it feels good to be able to fight against other cars, against the leaders too. It shows that we are always here, ready to seize opportunities when they present themselves. »
Esteban Ocon led part of the race and before the safety car and the red flag, he was even making up time on Max Verstappen in worn intermediates. Did he think victory was possible?
“We even led the race for a moment, it was special. I got away from Max during the first restart, it was going really well. Unfortunately, reality returned, and Max was better. »
“But it feels really good, especially since we had a few difficult races where nothing was working the way we wanted. »
Ocon takes the opportunity to remind everyone of his personal talent, which was not highlighted by the level of Alpine F1 this year…
“It proves that we are there when everything depends not only on the car, but also on the driver. »
Is it the track or especially the rain that benefited Alpine F1 and Ocon?
“We are generally better in the rain. It’s hard to do worse than our performances in dry conditions recently, especially recently. Don’t laugh, please! But it’s fantastic to have been able to lead a race like this. The team was perfect in strategic and tire choices. When everyone is on an equal footing, we can play and today, that was the case for us. »
“Max was clearly faster in the second stint, so there was no fighting. He got ahead very quickly, as I expected. »
Ocon did not close the door to Max Verstappen, when the latter overtook him on the restart at the first corner (and the Dutchman also praised his fair play).
“I told Max after the race that I was really impressed with his ability to brake that late on the inside without locking the front wheels. This is what happened to a lot of drivers, including me in qualifying, where 90% of my laps I was locking the front wheels at turn 1. But he made a nice overtake. »
Even before this crazy Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon was in love with Brazil and the Brazilians were in love with him, he says.
“The support we receive here is incredible. This morning, I arrived around 5 o’clock, and there were already people waiting in line in front of the circuit. I couldn’t believe how passionate people are about F1, about motorsport. Since I started, some have called me “Oconzinho”, which is quite funny, I think. But from the day we arrive until the day we leave, it’s incredible. I would really like to spend more time in Brazil, visiting different places, but the atmosphere of Interlagos never disappoints. It’s simply fantastic. »
A beautiful story engraved forever with Pierre Gasly
Barring any surprises, this podium will remain as Esteban Ocon’s last with Alpine F1, the team that gave him his first victory in the sport. This Grand Prix will inevitably remain in his memories…
“Well, it’s not over yet!” There are three races left. But if that’s the reward, then I’m very happy to accept it as such. It’s been five years of good times, others more difficult of course. »
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly had a rather moving hug after the finish: ultimately, these two drivers who always had to crash into each other, above all proved their driving talent. All’s well that ends well… There weren’t too many sparks but the first French double podium since 1997 to finish!
“I am extremely happy and proud, and honestly proud also of Pierre” concludes Ocon.
“We had our stories, but doing this last parade lap together brought back a lot of memories, of when we raced in go-karts in the rain, even in the snow with slick tires, both of us, while waiting to get on the podium or win a victory. It tastes a bit like that. It’s a beautiful story, when you think about where we come from. And it will remain engraved forever. »
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