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Alpine is not ruling out a potential change to its Formula 1 driver line-up, trying to prevent future trouble between its teammates.
Ocon had to retire from the race after the collision (Image Credit: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)The Enstone team were close to having both drivers out of the Monaco Grand Prix on the opening lap. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly collided on the exit of Portier.
Ocon decided to make an optimistic luge down the inside of his teamate on the entry of Portier and clashed wheels on the exit.
The clash resulted in Ocon’s rear being launched into the air, badly damaging the Frenchman’s car as it landed back down – putting him out of the race. However, Gasly was able to carry on, going on to scoring his first point of the season, finishing in 10th.
Post-race, Ocon took full blame for the incident, apologising to the team. The Frenchman was handed a 10-second penalty by the FIA. However, due to retiring from the race, it is now a five-place grid penalty at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Famin doesn’t hide feelings
Alpine team principal Bruno Famin was not shy to express hs feelings on the incident. The 62-year-old vented his anger during a live interview with Canal+.
“We have a lot of damage on the car. The left-rear suspension is bent, the gearbox casing is damaged. We’re changing the whole gearbox, it’s a huge amount of work,” the Frenchman said.
“This kind of incident is sad, it’s exactly what we didn’t want to see. Esteban’s dive was completely out of place, it was exactly what we didn’t want to see, and there will be the appropriate consequences.”
Famin was asked how serious the consequence may be for Ocon. He replied:
“We’re going to take drastic action.”
There could be a serious consequence for Ocon (Image Credit: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)Could Ocon be benched?
Many believe that the interview with Canal+ is a direct threat about benching Ocon. However, Famin used the exact phrase in French – ‘trancher dans le vif’ – which is not something that can be translated directly into English.
However, it does translate to ‘cut to the chase’ implying a major decision will be made indefinitely.
Despite clear frustration, Famin did not issue anymore responses on the incident, except from Alpine’s official press release on Sunday night.
“As a team, we will review and manage the incident between both cars behind closed doors. We must avoid situations that have the potential to compromise the team.”
However, it is understood that Famin is furious with what happened. Therefore, it is believed that he thinks it is the final straw to a situation that has been bubbling all season.
In addition, it is not the first time Ocon has collided with his teammates. The Frenchman has done it on multiple occasions, including times as teammates with Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso.
Despite previous incidents, it seems Ocon has not learnt from the past. Therefore, all focus will be on Alpine, regarding their decision on Ocon to try and improve their constructors’ position – as they are currently ninth.
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