Ocon stands tall with his decision in competing in Canada despite facing abusive bully.
Esteban Ocon, a 27-year-old Formula 1 driver, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix despite facing a wave of abuse and negativity. The Alpine driver, who has started 141 races and is currently out of contract at the end of the season, addressed the issue in a candid statement.
Ocon, who has raced alongside multiple winners and engaged in numerous tough battles with occasional contact, acknowledged his mistakes but stressed that drivers are not robots. “Of course I have made honest mistakes. We are not robots,” he remarked. “F1 is a sport where emotions run high, and passions run deep. I see and feel this every weekend at the track and on social media … the good and the bad.”
He expressed his frustration with recent online comments that misrepresented his ability to work within a team. “The misinformed statements and gross distortions that I have seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been inaccurate, hurtful, and damaging,” Ocon stated.
Despite these challenges, Ocon emphasized his commitment to his team and his responsibility for a recent accident. He also expressed respect for his teammate, Pierre Gasly, and their professional collaboration. “We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team, and this will continue to be the case,” he added.
Looking ahead, Ocon is eager to compete in Montreal and engage with Canadian fans. “I’m looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds,” he said.
The season has been difficult for Renault-owned Alpine, with the team only managing to collect two points so far, placing them ninth out of ten teams. However, Ocon’s determination and optimism remain unwavering as he prepares for the next race.
“I’ve made honest mistakes, as we’re not robots,” he remarked. “F1 is a sport driven by high emotions and deep passions, which I experience every weekend both at the track and on social media, with its ups and downs.
“However, the recent misinformed statements and gross distortions online about my teamwork abilities have been inaccurate, hurtful, and damaging.”
Ocon emphasized that he has always adhered to instructions and raced with his team’s best interests in mind. He accepted responsibility for Sunday’s accident and acknowledged Gasly as a respected competitor and teammate.
“We have always worked collaboratively and professionally within the team, and this will continue,” he stated.
“I’m excited to compete in Montreal in front of the fantastic Canadian fans and look forward to the exciting opportunities the future holds.”
Renault-owned Alpine has had a challenging season so far, earning only two points and sitting ninth out of ten teams.
