Like illustrious members of the grill Formula 1 as Max Verstappen either Lewis Hamilton, Esteban Ocon also mentioned the figure of Fernando Alonso during the press conference preceding the Chinese Grand Prix.
To the pilot of Alpine They asked him about the recent renewal of the Oviedo player with Aston Martinwhich will unite driver and team, at least until 2026, when the “14” will celebrate its 45th anniversary.
The Frenchman, who had his ups and downs with Alonso during and after his time at Enstone, praised the Asturian… even if he didn’t reciprocate in public.
“Much respect for Fernando, Ever since I was little, I’ve seen him compete with Michael and it is these two who instilled in me this love for the sport that I have”, Ocon began by saying while Alonso, with a serious expression, did not even look at him.
“Racing against Fernando now is pretty incredibleand see the career he had, where he won in everything, in karting, at Le Mans, in the United States… in practically everything he participated in, he won and that’s more than extraordinary,” he added.
“It would be every pilot’s dream.. I don’t know if I will continue to drive at his age, but his dedication is undoubtedly an example for all of us,” concluded the Frenchman while the Spaniard continued without showing any emotion.
Let us recall for example that after announcing his departure from Alpine, Esteban Ocon called Fernando ‘lazy’ assuring that he did “98%” of the team’s work. Maybe Alonso doesn’t forget it…
Words of admiration from Esteban Ocon to Fernando Alonso 👏🎩#Box box 🏁 pic.twitter.com/3YhLOhmnqv
– DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) April 18, 2024