F1: Ocon ‘surprised’ by Alonso’s criticism

(GMM) Esteban Ocon says he is “surprised” that his relationship with departing Alpine teammate Fernando Alonso is ending badly.

The pair appeared to have gotten on well throughout their two years together since Alonso returned to Formula 1.

But the two-time champion’s rhetoric changed markedly more recently, and after a clash in Brazil Alonso admitted that he was glad their partnership would soon be over.

“I was very close to the wall in Jeddah, close to the wall in Budapest, today in turn 4,” Alonso said at Interlagos a week ago. “Last year it was several times.

“This is the way things are. Yeah – one more race.”

Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer was furious at the pair for their on-track shenanigans in Brazil.

“Laurent Rossi told them that if anyone else in the Alpine team had behaved like this, they would have been fired for serious misconduct,” he is quoted by RMC.

Alonso, though, refused to apologize.

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said the Spaniard. “There’s nothing to say.

“I only have one race left, next year will be a different year. He (Ocon) will have a different teammate and the management will have a new driver. Suits me.”

Alonso admits he became increasingly disillusioned at life within the Renault-owned team.

“Two years ago I had some concerns when I returned, last year I was not convinced and this year I am not satisfied,” he said. “It’s time for a new challenge.”

When asked to comment on Alonso’s comments, Frenchman Ocon told RMC Sport: “We have been getting along very well for two years.

“I was a little surprised to see his comments to the press, especially since I am someone who prefers to speak in person. But that’s how it is.

“It doesn’t affect me,” the 26-year-old said.

Ocon also pointed out that it was Alonso, not him, who was penalized for their Interlagos clash.

“It was a bad moment,” he said. “And he was the one who was penalized despite everything he said. We are so close in each race that it happens.

“I don’t think it was very useful to criticize me so much.”