Esteban Ocon Reflects on His Rivalry with Sergio Perez: 'Mistakes' and 'Pressure' in the Heat of the Race
In a candid interview, Esteban Ocon opens up about his intense rivalry with Sergio Perez during their time as teammates at Force India in 2017. Looking back on the experience, Ocon acknowledges that he made errors in judgment, especially when up against the more seasoned Perez. Despite the challenges, the duo managed to elevate Force India to a respectable fourth place in the Constructors' Championship that year.
Ocon's Early Struggles
Ocon's journey to Formula 1 was not without its hurdles. He joined Force India in 2017, having previously raced for Manor in a mid-season replacement role. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't secure a single point in his first nine races with the team. However, his partnership with Perez proved to be a turning point.
The Rivalry Unfolds
Racing alongside Perez, who was in his seventh season in Formula 1, Ocon and the Mexican driver achieved remarkable results. They finished in the top four in the Constructors' Championship, scoring points in every race except Monaco. However, their rivalry took a turn during specific races, where Ocon and Perez found themselves in intense battles that sometimes resulted in one driver taking out the other.
Key Incidents
The duo had four notable clashes during their first season together, with two of them occurring in Azerbaijan and Belgium. In Azerbaijan, Ocon squeezed Perez towards the wall at Turn 2, causing Perez's front suspension to break and forcing him out of the race. Ocon, on the other hand, suffered a puncture and dropped to the back of the field, eventually finishing in sixth place.
In Belgium, Perez retaliated by squeezing Ocon, leading to minor contact and Ocon touching the wall. Both cars managed to complete the race, but Perez pulled a similar move later, resulting in Ocon losing his front wing and Perez losing a wheel. Ocon finished in ninth place, while Perez, who eventually retired the car, was classified in 17th place.
Ocon's Reflection
In a recent interview, Ocon admitted that he made mistakes during these intense races, especially when up against the more experienced Perez. He acknowledged the pressure of racing against a consistent scorer in the midfield and the desire to prove himself.
Looking Ahead
As the 2023 Formula 1 season unfolds, Ocon and Perez may reignite their rivalry. With Perez returning to the grid with Cadillac, the new technical era could bring about a changing of the guard. The potential for a Haas v Cadillac battle adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming races.
