The Monaco Grand Prix this weekend was a whirlwind of events, marked by a significant crash and intra-team conflict at Alpine. The race began dramatically with Sergio Perez's Red Bull taking substantial damage in a massive collision. Amidst this chaos, Esteban Ocon made a critical error in trying to overtake his teammate, Pierre Gasly, leading to both Alpines colliding before the race was halted by a red flag.
Ocon, who took to social media to acknowledge his mistake, expressed regret over the incident. 'Today's incident was my fault, the gap was too small, and I apologize to the team,' he wrote on his X account. Despite the early setback, the Alpine team showed resilience, with Gasly managing to finish 10th.
This incident particularly infuriated Gasly, who was heard over the radio questioning Ocon's aggressive move. 'What did he do? Why did he try to attack me? Oh my God,' Gasly exclaimed.
Alpine's team director, Bruno Famin, did not hide his displeasure and indicated that there would be consequences for Ocon's actions. 'It's sad, yes, this kind of incident. This is exactly what we didn't want to see, and Esteban's attack was completely out of circumstances,' Famin stated. Consequently, Ocon faces a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Adding a layer of star-studded intrigue to the event, French footballer Kylian Mbappé was spotted in Monaco, enjoying the Grand Prix as a spectator. Fresh off his last match with PSG, where they clinched the Coupe de France title against OL, Mbappé showed his support for his compatriot Pierre Gasly and also expressed his excitement about the event. 'It’s intense but it’s good, I’m happy to be here,' he remarked to Canal+. Despite a busy schedule ahead, he relished a short weekend break to be part of the Formula 1 spectacle.
- Ocon's mistake and the resulting penalty could significantly affect his standings and future performance. The incident has placed additional pressure on the Alpine team, particularly as they navigate a challenging season.
- Kylian Mbappé's appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix underscores the intersection of different sports and the universal appeal of Formula 1. His presence not only highlighted his support for fellow athletes but also brought additional media attention to the event.
