Ocon: Unfair to criticize Stroll

Barring a last minute twist, Esteban Ocon will find himself on the sidelines in 2019, his steering wheel being taken over by the one who still drives for Williams. Ocon's situation caused a certain stir in the paddock, with several big names on the field, including Lewis Hamilton, showing their support for Norman openly. 

En parallèle, Stroll has suffered numerous criticisms, with some arguing that its presence in F1 and future promotion at Force India are solely based on the family ties that unite him to the new owner of the Silverstone team. 

Ocon recently posted a photo of him and Stroll on social media to defend the man he affectionately refers to as “ brother ". The two young men have been very close for several years and the Frenchman finds the way his comrade is treated unfair.

Class act. Hats off, @OconEsteban! pic.twitter.com/co0pBuoAGe

- Formula 1 (@ F1) September 27, 2018

« I published this photo because Lance is my best friend in the paddock and we have had a friendly relationship for a long time, said Ocon before the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. 

People talk like it's his fault but it's not. So I wanted to share my vision of things with everyone. When I see the hatred on social media, I don’t find it normal. It’s wiser to show support rather than hatred. »

The current Force India driver also ensures that his future replacement is driven by the same passion for motor racing, despite different life trajectories to arrive in the premier category.

« Lance works as hard as I do to progress in F1, added Ocon. In this world, everyone gives their all, life is not easy. Of course, we come from different backgrounds but inside burns the same fire and the same motivation ».

Walking around the paddock this season, we have more often seen the young Canadian look grim than smile. It must be said that Williams' results in 2018 don't exactly look great either.