Esteban Ocon’s 7th place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix this Sunday has reassured both the French driver and the Haas team.
Esteban Ocon (Haas, 7th at the Chinese GP, speaking to Canal +): “There was a lot of stress because the strategy didn’t go as planned. We had planned for two pit stops, but the tyre degradation was lower than expected and everyone changed their plans during the race. The car really came alive with these tyres, and when others started to degrade, I saw that I had the right pace. I was lacking a bit of speed on the straights and a few little things here and there, but it’s satisfying, especially when you see where we started in Melbourne. Everyone is happy, we managed to turn the situation around in a week. It shows that we know where we’re going. There’s still potential in this car, we showed it in the last laps of this race and I hope it will continue in this direction.”
(On his overtaking Antonelli) It was hot from the inside. On the straights, we weren’t the best, so I had to go for it. It was a moment when there was traffic and quite a few positions to gain. I was battling with Yuki (Tsunoda) as well, so I knew that if I gained a place now, I could keep it for the rest of the race. I managed to get him, and on a Mercedes no less, so that’s satisfying.”
(On tyre management) We weren’t always pushing to the limit. We had to manage and try to keep the tyres until the end, there were 30-35 laps left, it was huge. I had doubts at one point but the team made the right choice.”
Pierre Gasly (Alpine, 11th): “We were penalised by our qualifying on Saturday, where we lacked performance. However, in the race, we managed to be in the mix. There are things to improve, but we will work and find more performance in the upcoming races. I gave everything in the car. It’s extremely tight in the midfield so we will focus on all the details to improve and score points in the next Grand Prix.”
Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls, 14th): “I didn’t realise it was so obvious that the one-stop strategy was faster. Honestly, I’m satisfied, apart from the first lap. I had a great start, the take-off was excellent, I was alongside Charles (Leclerc) at turn 1 and then it’s a track where everything depends on what happens in front. Yuki (Tsunoda) was very aggressive and managed to take my position. But I think I had a very good race, I was always faster than the cars in front of me, I was even threatening Antonelli. I was fast, I’m happy with my race.”
(On his battle with Doohan) Nothing shocking, I didn’t even know we were outside the points. I thought to myself “it’s understandable, we’re fighting for a good position”, but actually not at all, so it was a bit pointless on his part.”
(On his weekend review) I drove very well (laughs).”
Oscar Piastri (McLaren), winner of the Chinese GP: “An incredible weekend”
