Esteban Ocon expressed dissatisfaction with the internal dynamics at Alpine during the Canadian Grand Prix. Despite both cars finishing in the top ten, Ocon felt that unfair orders were issued during the race. The Frenchman was ultimately forced to surrender his ninth place to teammate Pierre Gasly, whom he suspects had a significantly lighter car.
During the final stages of the race, Esteban Ocon had to give up his ninth position to Pierre Gasly, who was believed to have a better chance of overtaking Daniel Ricciardo (P8). However, Gasly was unable to make a significant move against the Visa RB driver and eventually crossed the finish line in ninth place, followed by his teammate. “I’m happy for Alpine,” Ocon told Canal Plus, “but we should have actually switched places again.”
Unfair Team Orders
“The orders made no sense at all,” he continued. “Ricciardo was driving two and a half seconds ahead of us. But well, I am a team player, I did my job. It’s a shame the team doesn’t do that. This will probably happen more often this year.” Do such orders have anything to do with his recent dismissal? “I give [Alpine] the benefit of the doubt,” Ocon replied. In early June, it became clear that the Frenchman will not continue with the team from Enstone in 2025.
Heavier Car
Ocon’s story was not over yet – he also accused Alpine of giving Pierre Gasly a lighter car. “I’ve had a much heavier car for a while,” Ocon explained. “The idea is that we rotate [the weight] throughout the year, but I’ve been unlucky since Miami.”
Pierre Gasly denied that he was favored by the team. “At the beginning of the season, my car was slightly lighter,” he admitted, “but then we continuously exchanged parts, so I’m at most a kilo lighter. It’s all very close together.”
