Ocon’s F1 seat in danger after Gasly incident in Monaco

Alpine does not rule out possible changes in the Formula 1 driver squad in an attempt to avoid future trouble between its teammates.

The Enstone team almost lost the Monaco Grand Prix with both drivers on the first lap. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly collided at the exit of Portier.

Ocon decided to have an optimistic sledging fun on the inside of his teammate when entering Portier, and on the exit the wheels collided.

The collision sent Ocon’s rear end flying and severely damaged the Frenchman’s car on impact – knocking him out of the race. However, Gasly was able to continue and scored his first point of the season, finishing tenth.

After the race, Ocon took full responsibility for the incident and apologized to the team. The Frenchman received a 10-second penalty from the FIA. However, due to his retirement from the race, he will now receive a five-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Famine hides no feelings

Alpine team boss Bruno Famin openly expressed his feelings about the incident. The 62-year-old vented his anger in a live interview with Canal+.

“We have major damage to the car. The left rear suspension is bent, the gearbox housing is damaged. We are changing the entire gearbox, it is a huge job,” said the Frenchman.

“An incident like this is sad, it’s exactly what we didn’t want to see. Esteban’s fall was completely uncalled for, it’s exactly what we didn’t want to see, and there will be consequences.”

When asked how serious the consequences could be for Ocon, Famin replied:

“We will take drastic measures.”

Could Ocon be benched?

Many believe the Canal+ interview is a direct threat to bench Ocon. However, Famin used the exact wording in French – “trancher dans le vif” – which cannot be directly translated into English.

However, it means “get down to business” and implies that an important decision is being made indefinitely.

Despite his obvious frustration, there was no further reaction from Famin to the incident other than Alpine’s official press release on Sunday evening.

“As a team, we will review and resolve the incident between the two cars behind closed doors. We must avoid situations that could endanger the team.”

However, it is understandable that Famin is angry about what happened, so it is believed that he thinks this is the last straw in a situation that has been simmering all season.

In addition, it is not the first time that Ocon has collided with his teammates. This has happened to the Frenchman several times, including as a teammate of Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso.

Despite previous incidents, Ocon does not seem to have learned from the past, so all attention will be on Alpine, whose decision that Ocon will look to improve his constructor position – they currently lie ninth.

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