Ocon: “The cancellation of the Australian GP was a big shock”

Esteban Ocon definitely not lucky. While he has just found a steering wheel at Renault after a year spent as a reservist Mercedes F1, the former Force India driver still has to be patient. A few hours before the first tests for the Australian GP, ​​the F1 field had to pause following the coronavirus epidemic and the positive test of a member of McLaren.

“It was a big shock to learn that we wouldn't be racing when I got up on Friday morning, confided Esteban Ocon on the official F1 website. I received lots of messages from Cyril (Abiteboul, the general director of Renault Sport Racing) and many other people telling me that someone at McLaren had tested positive and that the race was compromised. I was half awake and had difficulty understanding the situation. »

Esteban Ocon was however aware of the risk, the Frenchman having been seen in the paddock with a mask before the cancellation of the Melbourne event on the Albert Park circuit.

“I thought it was quite strange when I arrived in Australia. I decided to wear a mask when arriving and leaving the circuit on Thursday. It had been 450 days since I had attended a race weekend and I wanted to take every measure possible not to miss it because the wait was too long. It was better to be as careful as possible because I didn't want to take the slightest risk. »

The former GP3 Series champion still has to be patient, with the start of the season not scheduled before June.

“I came back to see my family and friends in Normandy. It is in these moments that you must stay close to your family. We are stronger together, he explained. I do quite a bit of simulator work on Gran Turismo and train 3 hours a day to stay busy. I use the field to run. I also play radio-controlled cars, which is my second passion. Anything with an engine and wheels, I'm all ears! »

Esteban Ocon will therefore have to wait several more weeks before starting his third full season in F1.