Force India acknowledges Ocon’s inexperience in certain situations

Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon have been at the center of discussions during the last two Grand Prix. In Canada, both Force India drivers were aiming for a podium, but team orders not respected by the Mexican prevented the Frenchman from trying his luck, putting the latter in a frustrating position.

In Baku, it was a more unfortunate incident that occurred with the collision of the two teammates who could legitimately have competed once again for one, or even two, podium finishes.

Despite everything, Force India denies any tensions between its two drivers and prefers to highlight Ocon’s inexperience to justify these few incidents: « I don’t think we had any problems in Canada. It had nothing to do with the drivers. But in Baku, I definitely think Esteban needs a bit more experience. He’s young, he hasn’t done many races in Formula 1 and inevitably, this kind of thing happens when you’re learning. » explains Otmar Szafnauer, the Chief Operating Officer of the Indian team.

But Force India isn’t putting pressure on its young driver and even wants to give him time to learn: « He just needs to learn, it’s as simple as that. Nico Hülkenberg had 110 or 120 races behind him and Esteban doesn’t even have 20! »

Szafnauer does not forget Sergio Pérez who, according to him, manages the situation like a true competitor: « He does not behave differently than when he was with Hülkenberg. He is a great driver. And the more Esteban pushes him, the more he will raise his level. He will become even stronger. »

There is therefore no tension between the two men: « Esteban is a great professional with whom it is easy to work. The relationship between the two is good. We just need to make sure they don’t hinder each other. » concludes Szafnauer.