Alpine driver Esteban Ocon reveals how he was hated and abused on social media after Monaco incident

The Monaco Grand Prix 2024 has been a crash-filled affair. On the very first lap, two Haas cars squeezed Sergio Perez’s Red Bull to bring out the red flag. However, at the same time, two Alpine cars of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly also hit each other. 

Notably, Ocon was found responsible for the collision on the opening lap while attempting to overtake his fellow Frenchman, Gasly, despite his team’s pre-race instructions to maintain his position. However, after the incident, Ocon faced a lot of criticism for the incident including online abuse.

Now, taking on social media Ocon has opened up about the incident as he wrote, "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.” 

“We are not robots; we are athletes pushing ourselves to the limit every day to achieve our dreams of winning races. F1 is a sport where emotions run high, and passions run deep. I see and feel this every weekend at the track and on social media... the good and the bad. But the misinformed statements and gross distortions that I have seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been inaccurate, hurtful, and damaging."

Will Esteban Ocon participate in Canadian GP?

Alpine boss Bruno Famin had stated that there would be "consequences" following the incident. Despite this, Ocon has confirmed that he will race in the upcoming Grand Prix in Canada, although he will face a five-place grid penalty for his actions.

So, it’s now clear that Ocon will participate but will have a drop and it won’t be surprising if he starts below the top 10. Further speaking about it Ocon said, "We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team, and this will continue to be the case. I'm looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds."