Alpine's French driver Esteban Ocon competes during the qualifying session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 25 2024 at the Circuit de Monaco, on the eve of the race. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)
Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco: Esteban Ocon faced the wrath of his Alpine team and both potential disciplinary action and a grid penalty in Canada after crashing into team-mate Pierre Gasly in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.
The French driver attempted to lunge past Gasly on the opening lap but succeeded only in colliding and elevating his car before crashing back to the ground.
His car was badly damaged and he was unable to continue, but that was only the start of the repercussions for his impetuous driving.
Team boss Bruno Famin said the incident would have consequences for Ocon, the race stewards hit him with a 10-second penalty which became a five-place grid drop for the upcoming Canadian race and, despite his subsequent apologies, Gasly was left disappointed and upset.
"I'm just so disappointed with Esteban and for the whole team," he said.
"It shouldn't have happened. We've thousands of people working for us and we cannot afford this behaviour. We had clear instructions before the race - and this wasn't respected.
"And you should never take that much risk to take both cars out with your team-mate. I am sure it will be discussed, but we can't afford to have a similar situation in the future."
Ocon apologised on Instagram, writing: "Today's incident was my fault. The gap was too small in the end and I apologise to the team on this one.
"Hoping for a deserved points-finish for the team today."
Famin said: "This kind of incident is quite sad. Esteban's attack on Gasly was exactly what we did not want to see and we will draw the consequences."
