Drama at Monaco: Ricciardo Weighs in on Explosive Alpine Clash
The streets of Monte Carlo bore witness to a thrilling, yet controversial, chapter in Formula 1 history during the recent Monaco Grand Prix. The spotlight wasn't solely on the podium finishers, but also on the intense skirmish between Alpine teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. For Daniel Ricciardo, the clash evoked memories of his own notorious altercation with Max Verstappen at the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
On the very first lap, in the narrow confines of Portier, Ocon's ambitious, yet misguided, lunge at Gasly’s #10 car drew ire and disappointment from inside the Alpine camp. With Alpine’s Team Principal Bruno Famin voicing his disapproval, and Gasly clearly irked, the fallout from this incident seems far from over. Rumors swirl around Ocon facing possible benching in the upcoming race due to his actions.
Ricciardo, who had a front-row seat to the drama, noted that the two French drivers exchanged wheel taps a staggering three times before their inevitable collision.