Esteban Ocon’s aggressive driving in Monaco has sparked criticism, potentially jeopardising his F1 future as teams question his mentality.
Ocon’s Monaco Grand Prix may have compromised the future of his Formula 1 career, according to two former Grand Prix drivers.
Rumours continue to circulate that Alpine team boss Bruno Famin, highly irritated by the Frenchman’s breach of team orders and his collision with teammate Pierre Gasly on the first lap, might decide to bench the 27-year-old for the next Canadian GP.
Haas F1 team boss Ayao Komatsu admitted in Monaco that he was in talks with Ocon for 2025. The Frenchman is also a favourite for Audi F1 if Carlos Sainz ultimately decides to move to Williams.
But according to long-time British commentator Martin Brundle, the Frenchman’s Sunday in Monaco could be a significant thorn in Ocon’s attractiveness to “any team.”
“He has already been heavily criticised by Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso for his aggression and contacts within his previous teams, and now with Gasly as well. And it’s not the first time these two have touched or raised their voices.”
“This could cost Esteban dearly, as no top team wants a driver with this kind of mentality, or perhaps even any team. A driver represents hundreds of hard-working professionals and hundreds of millions of euros in investment and sponsorship when driving for a Formula 1 team.”
“You simply can’t keep attacking your teammate with a DNF as a result.”
Another former F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde, agrees that Ocon’s personality effectively excludes him from the race for the Mercedes seat in 2025 – even if he is managed by Toto Wolff.
“He has clearly shown that he doesn’t belong there. He’s fast, but he’s a bad boy.”
“Do you remember what he did to Max (Verstappen) in Brazil (2018)? He doesn’t have a team spirit and can sometimes be a bad boy. If that disappears, he can become an excellent driver.”
Van der Garde believes a race suspension for Ocon in Montreal would be “painful” for his F1 future.
“To be honest, he really messed up. Imagine attending a pre-race briefing, where everyone discusses the strategy and determines what’s important.”
“They say ‘Okay guys, we are tenth and eleventh. Please ensure we score points today because we really need them. So, whoever is ahead after qualifying has priority. Make sure to deliver these efforts’. But Ocon thinks ‘OK, there’s a gap’ and puts his car there. It’s so stupid in Monaco. When you’re in a bad situation, you need to work together.”
However, van der Garde doesn’t believe Alpine will bench Ocon for Canada.
“Personally, I think they will let him drive and he will receive a reprimand.”
Ocon’s Monaco Misstep: Career in Jeopardy?. Ocon’s Monaco Misstep: Career in Jeopardy?
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