“After the Monaco Grand Prix, the Alpine F1 team might bench Esteban Ocon for the Canadian Grand Prix next month. The incident, which resulted in a crash between both Alpines and forced the French driver to retire from the race, also had a significant impact on the team’s standing in the constructor championship.
The Crash between Esteban Ocon and Teammate Pierre Gasly (Via https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alpine-will-deal-with-ocon-and-gaslys-monaco-clash-behind-closed-doors.2hWd9rfGx1tGu9KwZ4ExPn)
The ‘Crashing’ Damage
The Monaco Grand Prix, renowned for its historic and iconic street circuit, presented a challenging scenario for the Alpine F1 team. Tensions flared when Esteban Ocon, in a moment of overambition, attempted a daring overtake on his teammate Pierre Gasly right at the outset of the race. This risky maneuver proved costly as it led to significant damage to Ocon’s car, forcing him to retire due to suspension and underbody damage.
Moreover, Ocon’s aggressive move also put Gasly’s race in jeopardy, with the potential for both Alpine cars to suffer from the collision. Despite the setback, Gasly showcased remarkable resilience, managing to salvage a ninth-place finish. However, the incident undoubtedly cast a shadow over Alpine’s performance in the race, highlighting the fine margins between success and disappointment in Formula 1 racing.
The fallout from the collision not only affected the immediate outcome of the Monaco Grand Prix but also raised questions about the team dynamics and decision-making processes within Alpine. As the team reflects on the events of the race, they are faced with the task of addressing the repercussions of Ocon’s ill-fated maneuver and strategizing for future races to avoid similar pitfalls.
Team Principle Bruno Famin at the F1 Post Race Interview (Via https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alpine-will-deal-with-ocon-and-gaslys-monaco-clash-behind-closed-doors.2hWd9rfGx1tGu9KwZ4ExPn)
Aftermath
The response from the Alpine F1 Team was quick and decisive. Team Principal Bruno Famin did not hide his disappointment over the incident. He stated to Canal+ during their live broadcast, “It’s sad to see these kinds of incidents. This is exactly what we didn’t want to happen. Esteban’s attack on Gasly was completely uncalled for.
We are going to decide straight away.” Given that the race presented Alpine with their best starting grid position of the year, expectations were naturally high. However, Ocon’s rash decision significantly derailed their well-planned strategy, turning what could have been a promising race into a major setback for the team. Given the gravity of the situation, Team Principal Famin hinted that severe disciplinary actions would be taken, including sidelining Ocon for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, as Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater revealed.
Famin spoke angrily about taking tough decisions, which everyone interpreted as benching Esteban Ocon for the next race in Canada. He will do what is best for the team, but the decision is yet to be finalised.
The Future Of Esteban Ocon – Bleak Or Bright?
In addition to the Monaco GP incident, another significant factor influencing Esteban Ocon’s future with Alpine is his recent exploration of opportunities outside the team, particularly his links with Audi and Haas. While Alpine has shown improvement in competitiveness throughout the season, starting as the slowest team but gradually climbing up the grid, questions arise regarding Ocon’s continuity beyond the current year.
Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater elaborated on the situation, emphasizing the potential implications of Ocon’s relationship with teammate Pierre Gasly. Given their history as childhood rivals, there are doubts about whether they can coexist harmoniously within the same team. This concern adds another layer of complexity to Ocon’s future at Alpine.
Furthermore, many observers criticized Ocon’s aggressive overtaking attempt in Monaco, deeming it unnecessarily optimistic and potentially detrimental to the team’s performance. The incident not only jeopardized Alpine’s chances of scoring points in the Grand Prix but also raised concerns about Ocon’s decision-making on the track.
These factors combined underscore the uncertainty surrounding Ocon’s tenure with Alpine beyond the current season, as the team evaluates its options and considers the broader implications of his actions on and off the track.
