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Esteban Ocon criticised Alpine’s performance at the British Grand Prix, pointing to a series of errors and poor decisions that marred their weekend.
Pierre Gasly didn’t even start the race due to a gearbox issue, while Ocon managed to qualify 18th and finish 16th.
Ocon and drivers like Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc switched to intermediate tyres early on lap 20, which proved a mistake as the track wasn’t wet enough. While Perez and Leclerc stuck with the intermediates, Ocon quickly switched back to slicks. He then had to pit again for intermediates when the rain eventually came, making three pit stops between laps 20 and 26.
What happened to Ocon?
Reflecting on the race, Ocon explained, according to RacingNews365, “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. Every decision we made, from before the race to the grid and during the race, was the wrong one.”
Three weeks on the road done and dusted ✔️ pic.twitter.com/2pt4WP4Ls1
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) July 8, 2024
He explained how raindrops made it tricky in Turns 1 and 2, leading him to ask the team if more rain was coming. When they confirmed, he decided to pit for intermediates, only to find bright sunshine when he exited the pits.
“I don’t know what to do anymore. It has not gone our way at all. I have never seen something like this in my career. It has been insane.”
This performance was a sharp contrast to Alpine’s recent good form.
Ocon emphasised the need for perfection in every decision and optimising the car setup to compete effectively.
“We need to optimise everything for us to be able to fight with the other guys, we need to be perfect on every single decision, optimising the car set-up, because otherwise, we are outside of the top 10.”
Looking forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix
Looking ahead to the next race in Budapest, Ocon remains hopeful but cautious.
“We have just turned the page, and will go again in Budapest which is a very good track, we hope to be back to where we should be,” he said.
“For Budapest, we should have the capability of fighting for good things, but there is no guarantee after this weekend, because it really shows that we need to do everything perfect.” he stated.
I don’t know what to write I’m lost for words, we just won the Hungarian @f1 Grand Prix i will forever remember this moment !!?
Thank you to @AlpineF1Team without them I would not have make it, and what a drive by the legend himself @alo_oficial he’s part of this too ? #P1 pic.twitter.com/PpbyTOD4oL— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) August 1, 2021
Hungary brings back good memories for Alpine and Ocon – they won the Grand Prix in 2021. Will they bounce back after a disastrous British Grand Prix weekend?
Feature Image Credit: mediaalpinecars.com