Esteban Ocon of Alpine continues to bask in the glory of his outstanding performance, securing a remarkable podium finish on merit at the Monaco Grand Prix. The legendary street circuit of Monaco is known to be a race where drivers can truly make a difference, requiring exceptional precision, unwavering commitment, and immense bravery.
Ocon showcased all these qualities by setting the fourth-fastest time during qualifying, just two-tenths of a second behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, securing himself the third position on the grid after Charles Leclerc received a three-place grid penalty. Ocon then delivered another impressive performance on race day, skillfully fending off challenges from Carlos Sainz and later Lewis Hamilton when wet weather conditions added to the complexity of the race. His skill and determination translated his grid position into a well-deserved third-place finish.
This achievement marks Ocon’s third career podium and his first since winning the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Additionally, he became the first French driver to grace the Monaco podium since Olivier Panis accomplished the feat in 1996.
When speaking to the media after the race, Ocon expressed his elation, saying, “It’s been a while, feels good, I can tell you that! I’m speechless at the moment. I’m a little bit on my cloud still.” He went on to reflect on the challenging start to the season but emphasized his unwavering belief in himself and the team. Ocon felt confident in the car right from the first session and pushed himself to the limit throughout the weekend, delivering a stunning lap in qualifying.
The race itself proved to be a tougher challenge, as Ocon faced contact with Carlos Sainz that damaged the back of his car. Additionally, the rain introduced further unpredictability, requiring the team to make strategic tire choices. Ocon faced immense pressure from Lewis Hamilton throughout the race, with both drivers showcasing their skills in the changing conditions. Despite the challenges, Ocon managed to hold onto his podium position until the last lap, securing a well-deserved reward.
Ocon noted that this Monaco Grand Prix weekend was different for him, as he quickly gained confidence and pushed close to the walls from the outset. He credited the team’s continuous improvement and the exceptional performance of the Alpine A523 for their surprising pace in Monaco.
With their strong performance, Alpine was able to snatch the fifth position from McLaren in the Constructors’ standings, further adding to the team’s jubilation. Looking ahead, Ocon acknowledged that the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix will provide a more typical racing track where they can gauge their true competitiveness.
Esteban Ocon’s exceptional podium finish in Monaco is a testament to his skill, determination, and the strength of the Alpine team. As the Formula 1 season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from this talented driver and his team.
