Canada saw Esteban Ocon’s dissatisfaction with Alpine’s team orders.
Esteban Ocon says Alpine didn’t do “their part of the job” when the team failed to order Pierre Gasly to give him back P9 on the final lap of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Esteban Ocon, who will leave Alpine at the end of this season, was frustrated with the team in the latest team order row at Alpine.
Esteban Ocon: I don’t think the team did their part of the job
During the Montreal race, Ocon was overtaken by Daniel Ricciardo and soon found his teammate Gasly closely trailing behind. Alpine instructed Ocon to make way for his compatriot.
Despite thinking it was a futile endeavor, Josh Peckett, his race engineer, convinced him to let Gasly pass at Turn 8 on the second-to-last lap after a brief discussion.
Ocon thought Gasly should have returned the position to Ricciardo, but he was informed that the cars would not be swapping places.
The Frenchman expressed his frustration to Peckett, stating that he had fulfilled his responsibilities, but the rest of the team failed to fulfill theirs.
He reiterated this sentiment during his media appearance following his tenth-place finish, just behind Gasly, with his A524.
He stated, “I believe I have fulfilled my responsibilities for today’s task, but I do not believe the team has fulfilled theirs.”
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to work collaboratively as a team player and have consistently adhered to the instructions provided to me. Today, once again, I showcased my unwavering commitment to following directions.
“The fact that the kind-hearted individuals don’t consistently succeed in Formula 1 is greatly troubling me.”
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Ocon emphasizes that he has always been a team player and insists that being a “nice guy” did not benefit him in Montreal.
He explained his perspective by saying, “Here’s what happened: I was instructed to allow Pierre to pass me in order to chase after Daniel, who was leading by a two and a half second margin.”
While inside the car, I made the call and expressed my disbelief, stating that it was simply not possible. The team then requested that I release him, so I fulfilled my role as a team player and let him go.
I’m disappointed that I lost my position on the second to last lap because I believe I performed well and deserved to be at the front.
However, I have once again demonstrated my commitment to doing what is in the best interest of the team. I always adhere to the instructions I am given, without fail. It saddens me that it has to conclude in this manner.
“I fulfilled my role as a team player, prioritizing being kind and considerate. Perhaps, I was too kind.”
I had to part ways with Pierre in the end, and I did so as I always abide by the given instructions.
However, there wasn’t any valid reason for that since we won’t be able to catch Daniel. Consequently, I am clearly losing a point in that aspect.
“I have proven to be a team player, although excessive niceness is not the ideal attitude to possess in Formula 1.”
Ocon wishes to have a conversation with the team regarding the team orders on Sunday.
He admitted, “We will obviously discuss that with the team, but I must say that today I am not very happy.”
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