Manor rookie Esteban Ocon says he got the maximum from his car at the Belgian Grand Prix, adding his Formula 1 debut will be a day he will remember for the rest of his life.
The Frenchman replaced Rio Haryanto over the summer break and lined up 17th on the grid for his first F1 race.
He had to contend with a safety car and a red flag, but kept out of trouble to finish in 16th place, ahead of Felipe Nasr’s Sauber.
“I was really proud lining up on the grid and so proud to take the chequered flag,” he said. “It’s a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
“It wasn’t an easy race, that’s for sure, but I’m very satisfied with my first Grand Prix. There were so many things happening in that first lap; it was crazy out there.
“It was hard for me to stay away from it all and at the same time push hard and fight for position. On top of that I had to remember all the procedures as well; it’s not difficult, it’s just remembering them in the heat of the moment and of course everything happens so much faster in F1.
“It was not easy to manage the red flag situation, but most importantly I’m glad Kevin seems to be okay. So I think we did the maximum with the car today and I’m happy with 16th position and finishing ahead of the Sauber.
“There’s a lot to think about and reflect on, but I’m ready for Monza, where I want to work on qualifying and make a good step forward.”
