Esteban Ocon: “Romain wasn’t very smart”

This is a first thatEsteban Ocon would have liked to delay as long as possible. But after 27 races in F1 and 27 finishes, including 17 in the points this year, the Frenchman was forced to give up in the first round in Brazil.

In fight with Romain Grosjean At the start of turn 6, Ocon saw his compatriot hit him after losing control of his vehicle. Haas VF17. Victim of two punctures, Ocon was unable to continue his journey and showed his disappointment.

“Romain wasn’t very smart on this one, declared Ocon at the microphone of Canal +. I was in front of him on the bend. It was quite slippery outside, I managed to catch up with my car, but not him. So he hit me.

This is why I give up, because it breaks my front and rear rims. It’s because of him that we can’t make the turn. He took a penalty but that doesn't change the fact that my race was dead. I tried to get in because there was the Safety Car, and I could have put tires on and it would start again. But the car wouldn't turn and I would have done more damage. »

Discover the report and analysis of the Brazilian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Interlagos, in issue 2140 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.