Turkish Grand Prix – French Performance Review: Zero Points!
It was a relatively complicated Grand Prix for our French drivers who couldn't find performance in the rain and were forced to finish outside the Top 10.
Esteban Ocon (11th)
Qualified 7th, the Frenchman seemed to be faster than his teammate in the rain during the early qualifying sessions, but the Australian managed to improve his pace lap by lap, and eventually Daniel Ricciardo once again beat Esteban Ocon in the qualifying exercise.
During the race, the Norman got a great start, which allowed him to get alongside his garage neighbor approaching the first corner. Unfortunately for the Renault driver, he wasn’t the only one to have a good start. Indeed, Lewis Hamilton quickly shot off the grid and found himself side by side with the two Renaults, the three drivers going three abreast. Contact was inevitable. Hit by his teammate, he spun out.
Later in this first round, he collided with Valtteri Bottas, which caused a puncture, relegating him far back in the pack.
After this very complicated first lap, Ocon’s race was almost over, and he eventually finishes 11th, whereas a points finish was surely achievable today.
It was a difficult race. We had a great start, very happy with the momentum, we moved up to 3rd or 4th position for a few meters but unfortunately Lewis Hamilton touched Daniel Ricciardo who touched me, causing me to spin.
When I went back, it compromised our race, and I got hit again at turn 9. We lost all hope of getting back into the points after that. Luck will turn, and we will come back stronger next time.
Pierre Gasly (13th)
In qualifying, Pierre Gasly couldn’t do better than 15th, managing to beat his teammate Daniil Kvyat, the Russian having spun during his last attempt.
Starting last due to penalties, the French driver gained 6 positions at the start but was unable to advance further, resulting in a 13th place finish for the Norman. Finishing behind his teammate, it’s a race to forget for Gasly.
Romain Grosjean (DNF)
Qualified 19th, the rain got the better of the Frenchman who couldn’t make his Haas work in these very difficult conditions. It was therefore another Q1 elimination. The last time the driver of the American team made it to Q2 was during the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix of Formula 1 at Silverstone.
Behind his teammate for most of the race at the back of the pack, the Franco-Swiss only appears on television for his collision with Latifi’s Williams.
After the retirement, it’s yet another weekend to forget for Haas, who must absolutely find what’s wrong with their car if they don’t want to spend the rest of the upcoming seasons at the back of the pack.
