Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
Esteban Ocon and Alpine were involved in a team orders row in Canada, Ocon finally obliging, but 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve sensed sabotage from the Frenchman.
In the closing stages of the Canadian Grand Prix, Alpine requested Ocon to concede position to team-mate Pierre Gasly to allow him to attack RB’s Daniel Ricciardo.
Did Esteban Ocon sabotage Alpine’s plan?
Ocon initially refused the request over team radio with a definitive “no,” but he was later notified that there were only three laps left in the race. Eventually, on lap 69 of 70, Ocon allowed Gasly to pass him at Turn 8.
However, when interviewed by Sky F1 following the race, Ocon stated that he was informed about the situation with only “one-and-a-half or two laps remaining.” He emphasized that he has always been a “team player” throughout his Formula 1 career.
Alpine and Ocon have officially announced their decision to separate at the conclusion of the F1 2024 season, just before the Canadian Grand Prix.
Ocon expressed his happiness for the team’s ability to score with both cars, but suggested that the order should be reversed on that particular occasion.
“I received the directive to allow Pierre to overtake in the final one-and-a-half or two laps, with the aim of closing the gap on Daniel, who was leading by a margin of two-and-a-half seconds and proving to be too quick for our team. However, this decision seemed illogical.”
“However, I have fulfilled my responsibilities as a team player. Throughout my career, I have consistently followed and respected the given instructions without any deviation.”
“However, I have completed my part of the job today, but unfortunately, the team hasn’t, and it is quite disheartening.”
When questioned about whether he believed this was because of his upcoming departure, Ocon responded by saying, “We’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.”
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When examining the team orders incident, Villeneuve observed that Ocon employed strategic maneuvers. He believed that Ocon deliberately allowed Gasly to pass him in order to create the illusion of being a supportive “team player.” However, Ocon timed this action in a way that prevented Gasly from overtaking Ricciardo.
He expressed his dissatisfaction, pointing out that the individual’s comments about being a team player and acknowledging the team’s mistake were not genuine. By deliberately delaying his actions, he ensured that Gasly would not have enough time to launch an attack.
However, he still allowed him to pass, expressing that he was a team player. Therefore, there is a significant amount of contemplation involved in that decision.
Ocon has several potential opportunities to continue his presence on the F1 grid in 2025. There have been strong connections between Ocon and Haas, but he remained tight-lipped about his future plans.
Ocon responded to the question about his announcement timing, stating, “I will reveal the news when the moment is appropriate. Right now is not the suitable time.”
Alpine’s three points scored in Canada saw then jump ahead of Williams up to P8 in the Constructors’ standings.
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