In a fiery display of discontent, Esteban Ocon criticized Alpine F1’s strategy during the closing laps of the Canadian Grand Prix, blasting a late-race team order as “nonsense.” Amid the challenging and competitive dynamics of the Montreal circuit, Ocon was instructed to let his teammate Pierre Gasly past him in the penultimate laps.
Ocon, who was in ninth with Gasly tailing in tenth, complied with Alpine’s strategy intended for Gasly to overtake RB driver Daniel Ricciardo who was leading them in eighth place. According to the team’s plan, Gasly might have had a better chance at challenging Ricciardo, despite the notable gap. Post-race, Ocon’s frustration was palpable during an interview with Sky Sports F1 where he articulated his skepticism about the directive. He commented, as quoted by Crash.net:
“I am happy for the team to be able to score with both cars, but the order should be reversed on that occasion.
“I got the instructions to let Pierre past with two laps to go to catch Daniel [Ricciardo] who was two and a half seconds in front and too fast for us. So the call was nonsense.”
Despite ultimately switching positions due to the team’s orders, thereby relegating Ocon to tenth while his teammate finished ninth, Ocon voiced a strong critique of the decision’s logic.
The Frenchman continued:
“I’ve done my part of the job, which is being a team player. I’ve always respected the instructions I’ve been given. It’s always been the case and I’ve never done anything different in my career.
“I’ve done my part of the job and not the team today, and it is very sad.”
Although pleased that Alpine scored points with both cars, the Frenchman expressed a poignant sense of what might have been.
Speculation swirls around whether this incident could be colored by Ocon’s anticipated departure from Alpine at the season’s end, as announced earlier in the week. He responded, “We’ll let [them have] the benefit of the doubt,” showing a willingness to possibly overlook this strategy as an isolated incident rather than a reflection of deeper issues.
Alpine is yet to announce who will replace Ocon in 2025. His current teammate Gasly’s current contract is also due to expire at the end of the season, leaving both seats unconfirmed for next year. It is anticipated that the latter will sign an extension with the team whilst the perceived favorites for Ocon’s seat are reserve driver Jack Doohan or Mercedes reserve driver and Alpine World Endurance Championship competitor Mick Schumacher.
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The post F1 News: Esteban Ocon Furious With Alpine After Canadian GP Team Orders – ‘Call Was Nonsense’ appeared first on Newsweek.
