Is there two categories in F1?
Following the press conference featuring Fernando Alonso and our three French drivers, a certain resignation seems to emerge from their statements regarding the ultra-domination of the three Top Teams.
The Thursday afternoon press conference invited the Frenchmen Pierre Gasly, Romain Grosjean, and Esteban Ocon, all three accompanied by a bonus guest in the person of Fernando Alonso, recent winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
If the latter has been questioned a lot about his last performance at Le Mans, a common topic was brought up with the Frenchman Esteban Ocon.
Describing his opinion on the highly coveted “Triple Crown” disciplines, he addresses F1 in a rather reserved manner: « The race at Le Mans is tough; you have to fight for victory, dealing with potential mechanical issues while working with the team. In Formula 1, we’ve lost that, and we know we can only fight for seventh place at best; that’s how F1 is today ».
In the same vein and questioned about his goals for Sunday, Esteban Ocon clearly expressed his resignation regarding podium possibilities: « The best we can do is seventh if nothing happens in front, so we start the weekend with that goal. »
Concerning the symbol of finishing as the top French person, it doesn’t really motivate him: « There is no ranking for the best French, so I am not really interested in that objective ».
It is therefore clear that drivers outside the Top 3 teams, which are Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull, express near-certainty about the idea of fighting only for seventh place in a “second-tier” race.
Realistically, they confirm to us that, except in exceptional cases, we will have to settle for the Marseillaise only at the opening of the race.
Time for the Press Conference! @OconEsteban shares the front row with his compatriots and a certain 24h winner… #FrenchGP pic.twitter.com/BDcvN9MeWe
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) 21 juin 2018
From our special correspondent in Le Castellet
