F1 Australian GP: Esteban Ocon is frustrated by “suicidal” moves from his rivals amidst re-start chaos

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are 12th and 14th, respectively, in the 2023 driver's standings after the Australian GP.

F1 Australian GP: Esteban Ocon is frustrated by “suicidal” moves from his rivals amidst re-start chaos

Esteban Ocon. Image via Twitter.

Pierre Gasly started fifth after the second red flag in the Australian GP. Unfortunately, he locked up in Turn 1, attempting to avoid Fernando Alonso’s AMR23. This incident pushed him back. Gasly rejoined his teammate, Esteban Ocon, who restarted 10th. Things only got worse from there, Gasly drifted and made contact with his teammate. The race ended for both the Alpines.

There was another red flag, and the other drivers reclaimed their previous positions. However, the Alpine drivers could not. Their cars were heavily damaged. The incident between the duo is currently under investigation. Pierre Gasly is only two penalty points away from a race ban. This debacle started last season. If Gasly is served with a penalty, he will miss the next race in Baku. However, Esteban Ocon is not holding a grudge.

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Esteban Ocon called out the other drivers’ standards. “My tyres were hot. I didn’t feel like it was very slippery. But what was tricky was a little bit of the light is lower, we couldn’t really see so well. But some drivers just suicidal a bit in Turn 1, like Nyck on the inside. It was very close and obviously, there’s a lot to gain at the time, but a little bit too much for some drivers.”

Ocon could have been wrong about Nyck de Vries, as his AlphaTauri was further behind. Hence, Ocon could have referred to Yuki Tsunoda regarding the incident at turn 1. He also revealed that he couldn’t see due to poor visibility. Alpine had a good race car and was in contention for points. They are the leading midfielders at the moment. But, this incident cost them important points in the championship.

Related: F1 Australian GP: “The biggest disgrace of the sport,” Carlos Sainz incensed about his 5-second penalty

Esteban Ocon ensures there is no bad blood between him and his teammate Pierre Gasly

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Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Image via Alpine.

After the race, Ocon stated, “Obviously a very chaotic restart then honestly, it could have been any cars that I collided with. There were cars coming back on the track, obviously, Pierre was one of them. But no hard feelings. He came and apologised and as I said, it could have been anyone.” Ocon confirmed that this incident did not ruin his relationship with his teammate. 

Pierre Gasly spoke about his race in the media pen. But he kept it short as he was too disappointed to say anything. Gasly pointed out the positives and revealed he felt comfortable with the car. He was thrilled to race against the top teams. Gasly fought with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton for most of the race. He was also racing a Ferrari. However, Gasly and Ocon are disappointed with the events that unfolded this weekend and ended their race.

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