Esteban Ocon claimed the third podium of his Formula 1 career with a strong drive to P3 at the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Frenchman described himself as “on cloud nine” after giving Alpine its first appearance in the Formula 1 race. grandstand since 2021.
Starting P3 on the grid following Charles Leclerc’s penalty for hindering Lando Norris in qualifying, Ocon quickly fell out of contention between eventual winner Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso for the top two positions.
READ MORE: Verstappen beats Alonso to Monaco GP win despite rain causing late drama
The Frenchman remained in third, however, but had to resist pressure from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz behind: the Spaniard dive-bombed Ocon at the Nouvelle Chicane at one point and damaged his own front wing, as well as rain that falls on the track. .
Despite those challenges, Ocon held on to take Alpine’s first grandstand from Alonso’s third-place finish at the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix.
“I’m speechless, I’m in a cloud right now, I don’t know what to say!” said Ocon, making his first podium appearance since he won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for Alpine.
Monaco Grand Prix 2023: Sainz cuts Ocon after attempting an overtake at the chicane
“Before the weekend, if you had told us we were going to be in the top 10, we would have been happy, you know? But it’s not top 10, it’s not top 5, it’s a podium! We’re on it, and the energy I’ve received from everyone since [this] weekend has been awesome.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for the support I’ve received, and that’s for the whole team, from Viry to Enstone and the track. This one is for us and we hope many more to come”.
DRIVER OF THE DAY: Ocon gets your vote for a powerful trip to P3 in Monaco
When asked later about contact with Sainz and how to keep the car on track when the skies opened up in the latter part of the race, Ocon, who was also crowned Driver of the Day, replied: “It can never be easy. , TRUE? I mean we had the podium under control, but we had damage after that Carlos hit, and then we were easily in that third position, but then the rain came and it changed everything again.
“But we boxed at the right time, we made all the right decisions, and today that’s what matters.”
It’s been a tough year for Alpine, with CEO Laurent Rossi openly criticized the team’s performances in 2023 in a recent interview. And Ocon agreed that that made the result, backed by a P7 for his teammate Pierre Gasly, all the sweeter.
FACTS & STATS: Triumphant Verstappen surpasses Vettel’s Red Bull win record
“Of course, I think everyone is delighted. You can tell never stop believing keep pushing and that’s what we did so let’s see where we are next week. [at the Spainish Grand Prix]. But let’s digest and enjoy before”.
This tweet has been removed from Twitter.