“We always see the same guys at the top”: Esteban Ocon raises concerns over Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull’s dominance in F1
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Esteban Ocon
At the start of the current Formula 1 2022 season, the FIA introduced vast changes to the existing rules and regulations that govern the sport. Even though the paradigm shifts have made way for a new technical era this year in F1, there are some things that have unfortunately remained the same–like the huge difference in performance between the top three teams (Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari), and the rest of the grid. While the FIA has assured that the new rules will put a restriction on the expenditure made by the teams, and will provide a more level playing field to the smaller teams, Esteban Ocon pointed out that the top 3 teams are still enjoying an advantage.
When the new F1 rules were made public, the FIA has said that they would make way for closer competition between the teams, and the audience will witness some exciting races as there were changes made in the aerodynamic structures of the cars. While the changes had worked favorably for the most part as there have been enough on-track drama in the thirteen races that we have witnessed so far, there is still a big gap in performances of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and the rest of the teams.
Speaking of this disparity between the three top teams and the rest of the grid, Esteban Ocon gave instances of the F1 2017 and 2018 seasons. According to the Frenchman, the racers also had similar difference in performances during those years and not much has changed in the grid now.
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Esteban Ocon claims new F1 rules have not closed the gap between the top 3 and the rest of the grid
French F1 racer Esteban Ocon has always been in the game for a long time, and even though he sat out the 2019 season, he had kept a close eye on the grid statistics. According to the Alpine racer, the growing chasm of performance and efficiency between the top 3 teams and the remaining 17 teams in Formula 1 has made the sport a bit mundane. Even after the FIA made rules to bring the competition closer between all the participants, there has not been much improvement in this aspect.
Esteban Ocon commented on the current F1 scene being similar to that in 2017 and 2018. He said, “You still had the top three teams and then the other guys, you know, fighting in the back. I feel we’re closer to where we were from back then but it’s still too far. And that needs to be closer to properly have a different podium, you know, different winners at times.”
“We always see the same guys. So yeah, definitely the way hopefully is going to be forward for those midfield teams and I hope that with the cost cap and everything the same rules for a bit you know that the tunnel is going to close, you know, at the top.”
In the upcoming F1 2023 season, the FIA have advocated for the implementation of even more rules. Thus, it is expected that Ocon’s vision of a closer competition between the top 3 teams and the rest of the grid will be realised in the next year.
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Riddhi Mondal
(1821 Articles Published)