Alpine driver Esteban Ocon.
Another day is in the books and that means it is time for your Friday round-up of the major Formula 1 headlines.
There was a significant focus on Alpine as they confirmed the departure of a highly regarded individual. Additionally, Esteban Ocon has provided clarification regarding his participation in the Canadian Grand Prix following his collision with Pierre Gasly in Monaco. There are numerous other updates to cover as well…
Alpine dismiss team veteran Rob White
Rob White has been confirmed as the latest departure from the Alpine team, marking one of the many personnel changes that have occurred over the past year.
Earlier in the week, team principal Bruno Famin reportedly informed him that he would no longer be a part of the team, despite playing a significant role in the team’s title doubles for the 2005/2006 season alongside Fernando Alonso.
Read more – Alpine confirm departure of long-serving team stalwart
Esteban Ocon racing in Canada as ‘misinformed statements’ slammed
During the Monaco Grand Prix, there was an unfortunate incident involving Alpine teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Ocon attempted a maneuver on the inside at Portier, resulting in a collision between the two. Unfortunately, Ocon’s race came to an end due to the damage caused, and he received a reprimand from Famin.
Nonetheless, Ocon quashed the rumors suggesting he would be sidelined for the Canadian GP with a sincere statement, in which he confronted the “abuse” he has faced subsequent to Monaco.
Read more – Esteban Ocon makes Canadian GP status clear after ‘misinformed statements’ and ‘abuse’
Helmut Marko sees ‘problem’ for Alpine with their drivers
Alpine faces an additional challenge in dealing with the situation as it is not the first time Ocon and Gasly have collided, according to Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko.
Read more – Helmut Marko spots Alpine ‘problem’ which makes Esteban Ocon issue ‘very difficult’
Carlos Sainz told Williams his ‘sensible’ option
Sainz, the previous driver for Renault, is currently seeking a new team in the grid, as he is aware that Lewis Hamilton will fill his spot at Ferrari in 2025.
However, according to esteemed F1 journalist Joe Saward, who dismisses the idea of Sainz joining Red Bull or Mercedes, he suggests that Williams would be the most logical and practical option for the Spanish driver.
Read more – Carlos Sainz has one ‘sensible’ option as ‘neither’ Mercedes nor Red Bull will sign him
Max Verstappen throws out Red Bull RB20 open invitation
Max Verstappen, who was Sainz’s team-mate during their time at Toro Rosso, is currently aiming for a fourth consecutive World Championship in F1 2024. However, Lando Norris’ triumph in Miami and Charles Leclerc’s victory in Monaco indicate that Verstappen might face tough competition in order to achieve his objective.
Despite the limitations of the Red Bull RB20 struggling on the streets of Monte Carlo, Verstappen achieved a commendable P6 finish in Monaco, asserting that it was a feat beyond what anyone else could have accomplished.
When questioned by various media outlets, such as PlanetF1.com, about whether he had made any errors during the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, Verstappen confidently denied it. He went on to assert that he would gladly welcome anyone in the paddock to attempt driving his car faster than him.
Read more – Max Verstappen invites entire F1 2024 grid to drive Red Bull RB20 ‘faster than me’
