Gasly vs Ocon at the Monaco GP
The Monaco GP saw a dramatic turn of events for Alpine. With Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon starting 10th and 11th respectively, hopes were high for a strong finish on this notoriously difficult-to-overtake circuit. The race took a dramatic twist when Ocon’s ambitious move led to a crash, affecting both their performances.
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The Crash: Ocon’s Risky Move
Carlos Sainz’s early puncture provided an initial boost, pushing Alpine’s cars up to ninth and tenth. However, Ocon’s aggressive manoeuvre at Portier led to a collision with Gasly, causing significant damage to Ocon’s suspension and gearbox, resulting in his retirement from the race. Gasly managed to continue despite a puncture, eventually securing his first point of the season after the timely red flag of Kevin Magnussen’s doing, allowed him to change tyres.
Gasly’s Disappointment
Pierre Gasly was visibly frustrated with the incident, especially given the team’s clear pre-race strategy. He stated
“It was very unnecessary; you should never have such a situation, especially between team-mates.”
Gasly emphasised the importance of team cooperation, particularly in a season where every point is crucial.
“We definitely need to speak because we can’t afford [it] – especially in a season like that.”
Ocon’s Apology and Future Implications
Esteban Ocon accepted responsibility for the crash, acknowledging his error on Twitter
This incident not only affected the team’s immediate results but also sparked a conversation about Ocon’s future, with a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
Not a Happy Team Boss
Alpine’s team boss Bruno Famin had strong words straight after the incident.
Alpine’s internal dynamics and strategic approach will undoubtedly be scrutinised following this incident. With Gasly pushing for better coordination and Ocon eager to prove himself, the team must find a balance to avoid such costly mistakes in the future.
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Alpine Monaco Drama: Featured Image Courtesy of Alpine F1 Team