Esteban Ocon has expressed that he’s been “deeply saddened” by the online abuse he has received since his first-lap clash with Pierre Gasly in the Monaco Grand Prix.
Ocon was criticised over an incident on the opening lap that saw him break a perceived pre-race agreement at Alpine when he strived to overtake his team-mate’s car.
The Frenchman had attempted to capitalise on Gasly being held up behind Alex Albon’s Williams and dived up the sister car’s inside into the right-handed Portier turn.
Ocon’s A524 was sent airborne and sustained terminal damage, while Gasly incurred a puncture that would have ended his prospects without the subsequent red flag.
Alpine boss Bruno Famin was incandescent when speaking to French television and suggested that action would be taken which could even extend to benching Ocon.
Meanwhile, ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle argued that Ocon’s history when it comes to colliding with team-mates could discourage teams from considering signing him.
Ocon has now taken to social media to respond to the criticism that he has endured in the period since the race and the “hurtful” claims made over his racing conduct.
“Much has been said in the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix,” Ocon said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving, and my career.
“Thanks to the hard work, support, and sacrifices of many people, I’ve raced in over 140 Grands Prix so far since my debut in 2016.
“I have always been a tough competitor, and, like most drivers, I’ve had my share of incidents. I have been lucky to race alongside talented and experienced teammates, including race winners Daniel [Ricciardo], Checo [Sergio Perez] and Pierre, and a double champion in Fernando [Alonso].
“As teammates, we would often start races very close to each other which in some cases meant some tough battles on track, and sometimes contact.
“Of course, I have made honest mistakes. We are not robots; we are athletes pushing ourselves to the limit every day to achieve our dreams of winning races.
“F1 is a sport where emotions run high, and passions run deep.
“I see and feel this every weekend at the track and on social media… the good and the bad.
“But the misinformed statements and gross distortions that I have seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been inaccurate, hurtful, and damaging.
“Since my first laps in motorsport, I have approached this sport with humility, professionalism, and respect. These values were instilled in me from a very young age.
“While each driver chases individual glory, this will always be a team sport first and foremost.
“I have always followed the instructions I have been given and raced to achieve the maximum for and with my team.
“I took responsibility for the incident on lap 1 last Sunday and, despite my DNF, I am glad the team added a point to the tally in what has been a difficult start to the season for all of us.
“I respect Pierre as a teammate and as a competitor. We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team, and this will continue to be the case.
“There is no reward without risk in Formula One – and race starts are intense, even more so in Monaco where the opening lap can dictate your finishing result.
“In the end, we are all competitors and hard, fair racing throughout the field is what makes our sport so great and the main reason why I love this sport so much.”
Ocon also indicated he will be competing at the next round in Canada next weekend, despite reports circulating that a one-race ban could be imposed as a punishment.
“I’m looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds. Esteban,” he concluded.
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