F1 reaches CRUNCH decision on replacing driver for Canadian Grand Prix

An F1 driver has been facing very much a hot-seat scenario heading into the Canadian Grand Prix this Sunday.

A series of dangerous crashes at the Monaco Grand Prix, have also called into question the future of various drivers - some of whom were already under pressure

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F1’s driver market has been in flux since Lewis Hamilton announced he would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2024, with the seven-time world champion displacing Carlos Sainz. Since then, the Spaniard has been linked to just about every team on the grid including Williams, Sauber/Audi and potentially replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull.

But the driver most prominently under the spotlight is Esteban Ocon, following his collision with team-mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco.

Will Ocon leave Alpine?

Ocon made tyre-to-tyre contact with Gasly after driving down the inside at Turn 8, lifting his Alpine into the air.

The incident resulted in a retirement for Ocon, with Gasly’s car alright for the restart following the red flag.

According to Ted Kravitz, Alpine boss Bruno Famin was furious with Ocon for the collision and was even considering a driver change for the Canadian Grand Prix.

However, Ocon has confirmed he will be racing in Montreal following a strong statement on social media.

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“Much has been said in the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix. While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving, and my career,” Ocon wrote.

“Thanks to the hard work, support, and sacrifices of many people, I’ve raced in over 140 Grands Prix so far since my debut in 2016. I have always been a tough competitor, and, like most drivers, I’ve had my share of incidents.”

“I respect Pierre as a teammate and as a competitor. We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team, and this will continue to be the case,” the Frenchman added.

“I’m looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds.

"Esteban.”

Much has been said in the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix. While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving, and my career.

— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) May 31, 2024

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