Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has warned Esteban Ocon that his first-lap clash with Pierre Gasly in the Monaco Grand Prix could harm his career prospects.
Ocon almost curtailed Alpine’s outing on the opening lap in Monte Carlo as an opportunistic lunge on his team-mate at Portier saw the pair collide on the corner’s exit.
Alpine would have Ocon retire with terminal damage as a result of his car going airborne and then smashing back against the ground, while Gasly incurred a puncture.
However, a red flag to clear a multi-car collision right at the back saved the Enstone-based squad, with Gasly able to take the restart and score Alpine a valuable point.
But the spotlight was focused on the earlier incident, which bolstered the reputation Ocon has garnered as being an uncompromising racer in wheel-to-wheel combat.
“Ocon is a fine and fast racing driver, but history demonstrates he has an irrational red mist when it comes to racing, particularly against his team-mates,” Brundle said.
“He has been heavily criticised before by Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso for his intra-team aggression and contact, and now Gasly too.”
Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin did not mince his words regarding who was to blame and even suggested the consequences could witness Ocon being sidelined.
Ocon’s action comes amid his future being uncertain with no contract in place for 2025 and Brundle has advised him that such moves could detract potential suitors.
“It will cost Esteban heavily as no front-running team would entertain that kind of mentality, or even perhaps any team,” he added.
“A driver represents hundreds of hard-working and professional people, and hundreds of millions of pounds of investment and sponsorship when driving for an F1 team.
“You simply can’t keep attacking your one team-mate with abandon.”
Meanwhile, Gasly was also asked whether he considered Ocon’s contractual situation influenced him appearing to overrule the team’s plans to prioritise his ambitions.
“I don’t want to answer that,” the ex-Red Bull driver answered. “He’s a professional driver.
“You just know what to do and what not to do and even more with your team-mates.
“He’s a good driver. He’s a very good driver. He knows what he does so he just needs to make a change.”
