Esteban Ocon released a statement responding to criticism

On Friday evening, Esteban Ocon released a statement on social networks commenting on the collision with teammate Pierre Gasly on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix and subsequent statements, publications in the press and social networks, confirming that he will participate to the next race in Montreal.

A lot has been said after the Monaco Grand Prix. Although I received many messages of encouragement, I was deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negative messages I received online about my character, my piloting and my career.

Thanks to the hard work, support and sacrifice of many people, I have competed in more than 140 Grands Prix since my debut in 2016. I have always been a fierce competitor and, like most racers, I have been involved in collisions.

I have been fortunate to race alongside talented and experienced teammates, including race winner Daniel [Риккардо]Cheko [Переса] and Pierre [Гасли]as well as two-time champion Fernando [Алонсо].

As teammates, we often started next to each other, which in some cases led to fierce competition on the track and sometimes even to collisions.

Of course I have made mistakes and I have honestly admitted them. We are not robots, but athletes who push ourselves every day to achieve the dream of winning races. Formula 1 is a sport in which passions run high and emotions run high.

Every weekend I see both the good and the bad at the track and on social media. But the misinformation and gross misrepresentations I’ve seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been wrong, hurtful and harmful.

Since I started in motorsport, I have approached things with humility, professionalism and respect. These values ​​have been instilled in me from a very young age.

And although every driver strives for individual glory, Formula 1 will always remain a team sport. I always followed the instructions I was given and strived to achieve the best for and with my team.

I took responsibility for the incident on the first lap last Sunday. Despite my retirement, I am pleased that the team has added another point to the treasury after a difficult start to the season for all of us.

I respect Pierre both as a teammate and as a rival. As a team, he and I have always worked harmoniously and professionally, and that will continue.

In Formula 1 there is no reward without risk, and the start of races is always exciting, especially in Monaco where the first lap can affect your result at the finish. At the end of the day we all compete and tough but fair competition is what makes our sport great and the main reason why I love Formula 1.

I look forward to performing in Montreal in front of the fantastic Canadian fans and look forward to exciting opportunities in the future.

Esteban