Ocon makes a heartfelt statement following online abuse received after Monaco GP

Esteban Ocon has issued a powerful statement over social media after receiving online abuse following his on-track altercation with team-mate Pierre Gasly the Monaco Grand Prix.

Last time out in Formula 1, Ocon had a weekend to forget after his ambitious lunge on his team-mate down at Portier, forced him to retire from the race on the opening lap.

The backend of Ocon’s car was flung up into the air which prevented him from making the restart after a red flag was brought out due to another collision between Sergio Perez and the two Haas drivers.

This was a bitterly disappointing moment for the Enstone team, who not only have struggled at the start of this season, but also had a great opportunity of scoring a double points finish.

Whilst Gasly did score one point for Alpine in the end, the altercation at the start of the race could have ended in much worse fashion for both drivers.

The stewards ended up giving Ocon a 10 second penalty during the grand prix. However, due to the 27-year-old not being able to serve this after his retirement from the race, his punishment was upped to a five-place grid penalty, which he will have to serve this weekend in Canada.

Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin would then go onto air his frustration with Ocon on live TV stating that what he did was unacceptable and that there would be consequences for his actions.

Whilst rumours have been circulating around whether Ocon would be racing in Montreal, the Frenchman has released a statement confirming he will be and also addressing the hate and abuse that he has received online.

Ocon’s full statement on social media

“Much has been said in the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix. 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 team-mates, including race winners Daniel [Ricciardo], Checo [Sergio Perez] and Pierre, and a double champion in Fernando [Alonso].”

“As team-mates, 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.”

Ocon confirms he will race in Canada

“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,” he continued.”

“I respect Pierre as a team-mate 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 1 – 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.”

“I’m looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds.”

Feature Image Credit: (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)