Rumors
Should Ocon pack his bags? 'Alpine considering sidelining him for next GP'
- Corwin Kunst
Alpine team boss Bruno Famin was critical of Esteban Ocon after the Monaco Grand Prix and, according to Sky Sports News, consequences are by no means inconceivable. According to the usually well-informed medium, serious consideration is being given internally to sidelining the 27-year-old driver after causing a crash with teammate Pierre Gasly in Monaco.
Ocon was a little too enthusiastic on the opening lap of the Principality Grand Prix and tried to put his car in front of his teammate's before entering the tunnel. There was no room for that and so the two compatriots hit each other. A clear mistake by Ocon, who was afterwards accused by his team boss that the action was "totally thoughtless". Gasly called it "particularly clumsy" and claimed Ocon had not respected the team's instructions.
Race ban for Ocon?
Sky Sports News understand that a race ban for the Canadian Grand Prix is being 'seriously considered' by Alpine. In that case, third and test driver Jack Doohan would come into the picture. Famin was seen talking to the Australian shortly after the Monaco incident.
The 21-year-old driver comes from in-house training and is in good standing with Alpine. Last year, he finished third in the Formula 2 championship behind Theo Pouchaire and Frederik Vesti. This year he does not have a full-time seat in racing and all his time is in helping the French factory team move forward. As such, Doohan is extremely knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Alpine and where things are currently lacking.
Test at Zandvoort
A fortnight ago, Doohan was still in the Netherlands to gain mileage in Alpine's 2022 car at the Zandvoort circuit. It was thought that the two test days were to gain knowledge for Alpine, or was it to get Doohan ready for this moment?