Ocon: “Verstappen behaved like crazy”

Esteban Ocon justified himself after his clash with Max Verstappen at the Brazilian GP. While a lap down, the Force India driver attempted to overtake the race leader to get back into the lap by attacking him at the first corner, but his maneuver resulted in contact sending the Dutchman into the lead -tailed. The latter was only able to save a second place, leaving the victory to Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).

Despite the stop & go imposed by the marshals, Esteban Ocon believes that he was within his rights and does not understand the attack he suffered after the race.

“I had more speed than him and I wanted to take another lap because I was stuck behind him, explained the 2015 GP3 Series champion. I had already done this kind of overtaking on Fernando (Alonso) and lots of other drivers without having any problems, but Max didn't give me room and we touched each other. It's his behavior that displeases me by coming to see me at the weigh-in, pushing me violently and acting crazy by wanting to hit me. It's neither correct, nor sporty, nor professional. The commissioners had to take him away because he was going crazy. I'm used to it with Max, I've always fought with him and it's always been pretty much like that. »

Asked to explain his desire to overtake the Grand Prix leader, Esteban Ocon assured that he was not responsible for the incident.

“The rule does not say to favor the leader. You have the right to overtake him and resume your lap. My team actually told me that I was nearby and that I couldn't disappear. I had to try to save time,” added the Frenchman who could only finish in 15th place.

Discover the analysis of the Brazilian GP carried out by our special correspondents in AUTO issue 2191hebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.