Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur: “Esteban Ocon deserves great respect for that”

Esteban Ocon knew even before the race in Mexico that his time as a Haas driver would come to an end this year. However, even the Frenchman could not have foreseen that he would have to vacate his seat during the Mexican race weekend. All those involved are keeping quiet about exactly what led to his unexpected departure.

One thing is certain: the 30-year-old will not be returning to the starting grid this year. His sudden departure was the subject of heated discussion in the Interlagos paddock. And the topic also came up at the team principals’ press conference at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Three team principals – Toto Wolff, Fred Vasseur and Alan Permane – faced questions from journalists who had worked with Ocon in the past.

Permane described the driver from Évreux as a “great bloke”. Vasseur, who had worked with his compatriot in GP3 and the DTM, also emphasised: “He’s done well in the junior formulae, in the DTM and in Formula 1.”

The Ferrari team principal made it clear: “It’s difficult to comment on something that happened in another team. And I’ve got my hands full enough with my own lads. I don’t know what happened between the team and the driver either, so I don’t want to say anything about it.”

“It’s certainly a shame for Esteban, though, because in my eyes he’s a real fighter. He’s put a lot of energy into being part of Formula 1 throughout the season, and he deserves great respect for that. But I won’t be commenting on this situation,” added the 58-year-old.

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