Esteban Ocon criticises delaying tactics at the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, despite a strong performance and points scored for Haas.
Esteban Ocon secured an impressive seventh place in Monaco this weekend, following a strong qualifying session and a race in which he seized strategic opportunities to complete both of his pit stops early. The Haas F1 driver enjoyed his battle with Isack Hadjar and is pleased with a successful weekend.
“Surprising is the word!” he told Canal+ when speaking about the race. “The pace varied a lot — we had to push hard at times, then manage things at others, watch for degradation and think things through, and slow down in front of the pit box to secure the position.”
“We fought well with Isack throughout the race, credit to him for a strong drive and a great weekend. We did everything we possibly could today, brought home some points and that feels good. It was well executed, we did what was needed, and we didn’t put a foot wrong, so I’m happy.”
Asked to comment on the slowdown tactics, particularly Liam Lawson’s maneuver to help Hadjar, the Frenchman expressed a degree of frustration: “I couldn’t take advantage of it because Fernando was between him and me! I think these things should not be allowed, unfortunately.”
“It kind of spoils the race and the beauty of Monaco with its pit strategy and so on. It’s part of the game, but there should be a way to monitor if someone is overdoing it. At times I was stuck behind cars going three or four seconds slower than they should have been. Yes, it simplifies the race for one car in a team, but it’s not a good look.”
Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman also tried to benefit from the race circumstances by pitting early, including once on the very first lap. He finished just outside the points but felt it was impossible for him to break into the top ten.
“We did everything we could. Well done to Esteban, I’m very happy the team scored points and it’s a good feeling even after a tough weekend for me. Points were not within reach for me,” the Briton said.
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