Ocon magnificent third in Monaco: “We did it! »

Can a third place be more prestigious than a victory? In the case of'Esteban Ocon, his 3rd place won in Monaco has a completely different flavor than his victory in Hungary two years ago. The pilot Alpine had already done a lot of the work on Saturday, with the 4th fastest time in qualifying and a 3rd place on the grid thanks to the penalty of Charles Leclerc. This Sunday, the Frenchman finished the job by maintaining his position, and in what way!

Put under pressure by Carlos Sainz At the start of the event, Esteban Ocon did not give up, maintaining a good enough pace to hold his 3rd place. The intense rain which fell in Monaco around the 50th lap did not disturb the Norman: a perfectly executed pit stop and a little help from Russell, at fault at Mirabeau while he was in front, were the key to winning this 3rd place, resisting at the end of the Grand Prix both Mercedes behind him.

“Estie Bestie is on the podium, baby!” »

This is therefore the third podium of Esteban Ocon's career, his first since his victory in Budapest in 2021. “Estie Bestie is on the podium, baby!” (laughs) We did it, the pilot rejoiced Alpine at the arrival. It was a great weekend from everyone in the team, from Thursday onwards, from the simulator sessions. From the free practice sessions, we improved the car from start to finish. We didn't make the slightest misstep: when we put on the intermediate tires it was the perfect moment to do it. I'm enjoying the moment, it's been a long time since I've been on the podium. I hope this is the first of many. »

“I thank everyone who came to support me and this is just the beginning… I hope!”

Esteban Ocon talks about the emotion of getting on the podium in Monaco. ❤️#MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/LTRP1QQfBt

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) May 28, 2023

Esteban Ocon also reveals that he managed, despite the difficult conditions, not to touch the rails, unlike many of his opponents in the streets of the Principality. “I hit the wall enough [Saturday], but not today! I tried to give the team fewer heart attacks. »

Thanks to this podium, Esteban Ocon becomes the exact equal of Pierre Gasly with a victory, a 2nd place and a 3rd place in his career. The Frenchman moved up to 9th place in the championship, whileAlpine gives itself some air in 5th place among the manufacturers, with 35 points.

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