Former Renault driver defends Ocon after Monaco incident
F1 News
Esteban Ocon's manouvre cause quite a stir within Alpine. On Lap 1 at the Monaco Grand Prix, Ocon tried to overtake his teammate, Pierre Gasly in the Portier corner, but the two Alpine cars collided forcing Ocon to retire. Former Renault (Alpine's predeccesedor) driver Jolyon Palmer however to some degree defended the driver also rumoured to be substituted out for the Canadian GP.
"There’s no doubt that Ocon’s move was a selfish one that put himself first and disregarded the team effort. Both cars could have easily been out on the spot with his risky attempt and Alpine’s points chance could have gone up in smoke," Palmer wrote in his column on F1's website.
However, Palmer also believes Ocon's manouvre was justified, only what made it worse was the threat to Alpine losing both of their cars during the race. "Overtaking in Monaco is nigh on impossible. In my opinion, attempts like this shouldn’t be discouraged with needless penalties."
"In egregious circumstances of course penalties should be applied, but for decent, legitimate attempts I think the stewards could be more sparing."
He added: "I even wonder if Gasly could have ceded position more convincingly and kept both cars in the race. It would have taken an asserted self-preservation effort, guaranteeing the pass for Ocon, but had he backed off and opened the door once he was beaten to the apex, there’s a chance he could have snuck through the corner without contact as well."
Palmer expects Ocon to be present in Canada
The Briton also does not believe Ocon would be replaced for the Canadian GP. "I’m sure Esteban will be back in the car for Montreal, but a rap across the knuckles might have caught his attention. I’d be surprised if both drivers remain at Alpine for next year, but they have to get their heads down and continue to work in 2024 – not only to maximise the team’s constructors’ position, but also to show the outside world how good they can be."