Alpine's Internal Tensions Explode: Ocon Nearly Suspended Over Gasly Collision
The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is often a cauldron of high drama, but this year's event may have set a new benchmark for intra-team conflict. The Alpine F1 team’s pit crew and management found themselves embroiled in a highly volatile internal clash, following a collision between team drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. The incident, reported initially by French sports outlet L’Équipe, nearly resulted in Ocon receiving a suspension that could have upended his entire season.
The Monaco Clash
On the iconic streets of Monte Carlo, Esteban Ocon's attempt to overtake Pierre Gasly at the Portier corner turned catastrophic. Ocon, displaying what some would call a reckless level of aggression, dove on the inside of Gasly, resulting in the two Alpine cars colliding harshly. Gasly's car suffered a front right puncture, and Ocon's A524 was sent airborne, crashing down with terminal damage.
In most instances, such an incident would mark the end of the unfortunate driver’s race. However, a red flag caused by a separate incident involving Sergio Perez allowed Gasly to re-enter the fray from 10th position, salvaging some hope for both the driver and his beleaguered team.
Immediate Aftermath
The momentary reprieve didn’t erase the frustration boiling within the paddock. Gasly, achieving a points finish, did little to mask his fury at Ocon’s actions, who had almost jeopardized both drivers' races. More disconcertingly, Gasly’s anger was shared by Alpine’s management, with Bruno Famin, the team principal, leading the chorus of disapproval.
Famin, speaking to French television post-race, suggested that severe measures would be taken against Ocon. Unconfirmed whispers soon circulated that the suspension of Ocon for an entire race weekend was on the table, stoking the already intense post-race atmosphere. According to L’Équipe, Famin was ready to replace Ocon with reserve driver Jack Doohan for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, but legal complexities loomed large.
Legal Hurdles and Corporate Caution
The potential move to suspend Ocon was stalled by legal considerations. Alpine's legal team, now shored up by the experienced lawyer Caroline McGrory after the Piastri saga in 2022, advised caution. The specter of another contractual debacle—similar to the one the team faced concerning Oscar Piastri’s shift to McLaren—haunted the decision-makers at Alpine. A forced suspension without legal clearance would likely result in Ocon showing up in Canada with legal representation, complicating matters further.
Ocon’s legal rights meant that depriving him of a race seat without sufficient grounds could lead to severe legal consequences for the team. Missteps here could result in costly litigations, unfavorable public optics, and further distractions from their primary objective: improving their F1 performance.
Outlook: Canada and Beyond
Ultimately, Esteban Ocon will race as scheduled in Canada, albeit with a five-place grid penalty handed down by the Monaco Grand Prix stewards. Yet, this isn’t the end of Alpine’s internal woes. With competitiveness still eluding their 2024 package, Ocon’s chances for adding to his dismal points tally look dubious. Furthermore, Ocon finds himself at the center of career uncertainty following Alpine’s announcement that he will vacate his seat by 2025.
Reports suggest that despite his strong ties to Mercedes, Ocon is not a frontrunner to replace Lewis Hamilton should the seven-time world champion step aside. Instead, Ocon’s career trajectory might send him towards a new team, with whispers of negotiations with Haas and rumors linking him to either Nico Hulkenberg’s or Kevin Magnussen’s seat. There’s also speculation about a potential partnership with Hulkenberg if Carlos Sainz opts to pivot towards Williams instead of joining Audi's nascent F1 team.
Regardless, the aftermath of Monaco has left Alpine with a complicated equation of internal management, legal strategy, and competitive aspirations. As Ocon heads to Canada, all eyes will be monitoring not just his on-track endeavors, but the subtle machinations behind the scenes at one of F1’s more tumultuous mid-field teams.