Will Alpine Really Bench Esteban Ocon After Monaco Mayhem?

Alpine's Formula 1 team is in turmoil following a dramatic first-lap collision between teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly during the Monaco Grand Prix. The incident not only left Ocon's car severely damaged but also put Gasly's race in jeopardy. Although a red flag due to a separate collision ultimately helped Gasly finish the race in 10th place, the incident has raised serious questions within the team.

Ocon's Airborne Adventure

The disaster unfolded at Portier corner when Ocon attempted an ambitious dive inside of Gasly. This move resulted in Ocon's car being launched into the air, causing considerable damage to his A524. Gasly, too, wasn't spared as he suffered a front-right puncture. Team Principal Bruno Famin didn't mince words, expressing his deep disappointment and hinting at 'drastic action'.

Famin's initial comments sent shockwaves, with speculations that Ocon could be benched for his actions. However, Famin later clarified that the issue would be handled 'behind closed doors'. Even though Famin's anger was palpable, he acknowledged that the team's result was also influenced by other race events and qualifying performances.

Behind Closed Doors

While Famin's harsh words have led to rumors of Ocon potentially sitting out the next race, a more moderated response came through Alpine's press release. 'As a team, we will review and manage the incident between both cars behind closed doors,' Famin stated. This suggests that internal team handling may be the chosen course of action, though speculation continues about possible repercussions for Ocon.

Autosport reported that Famin is extremely dismayed by the collision, which jeopardized the team's chance for points. Ocon accepted responsibility for the incident and received a 10-second time penalty, resulting in a five-place grid drop for the next race. However, many anticipate that the ultimate disciplinary action may still be on the table.

Context and Consistency

This is not the first time Alpine's drivers have clashed. Earlier this month in Miami, the pair nearly collided on the first lap. However, Gasly and Famin both cited an essential pre-race agreement in Monaco that Ocon violated. The agreement stated that the lead driver would be protected, and with Gasly having beaten Ocon in Q3, he was supposed to have this benefit.

Gasly expressed that such risks are unnecessary, especially on tracks like Monaco where overtaking is minimal. 'We need to be clear,' Gasly said, pointing out that this wasn't the first time they had come close to a collision. Famin's fury stemmed from this violation, with Ocon putting his own ambitions over team strategy.

Future of Alpine: Prospects and Pitfalls

Many are now wondering what Famin's next steps might be. While benching Ocon seems drastic, it could also serve as a powerful message and an opportunity to evaluate reserve driver Jack Doohan. Famin was seen speaking with Doohan post-race, possibly considering this as a scouting opportunity for a future full-time role.

On the flip side, Ocon has been one of Alpine's better performers this season. Bench him now, and the team's performance could suffer even more. Alpine's struggles are not just about driver clashes; the car itself has had issues. Ocon's maneuver at Monaco was risky and ill-timed but not entirely without context.

Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act

In conclusion, Alpine's leadership has a complicated decision to make. Famin's fury is understandable, but any action taken must be balanced against the team's overall prospects for the season. The clash at Monaco was an unfortunate event, but blaming one driver entirely misses the mark of a broader issue within the team.

What is clear is that something has to change. Whether it's stricter team orders, better communication, or personnel changes, the next few races will be crucial. Alpine's ambition to climb the F1 ladder hangs in the balance, and every decision now carries weighty consequences.