Esteban Ocon: We go to Belgium with hope

Alpine regrets failed weekend in Hungary – and hopes for the best in Spa…

Esteban Ocon: “The weekend in Hungary was difficult for the team. We missed the point by not making the last qualifying run, which put us back, and the race was difficult due to tyre wear and a suboptimal strategy. It’s a shame to realise that we could have done better, but we know where we went wrong. There is a lot to analyse, but we are working together to solve the problems and go to Belgium hoping to finish the race at a high level.

After a few years of racing in Formula 1, I still get an incredible feeling when I come to Spa, where I made my Formula 1 debut in 2016. This is a classic circuit, the longest on the calendar, with long straights and varied corners.

“Weather always plays a big part in Belgium, given the size of the circuit and the way conditions can change from one stage to the next. This means strategy will play a key role in the race and we need to work together as one to make the right decisions and have a successful weekend.”

Pierre Gasly: “The weekend in Budapest was disappointing. It is necessary to draw conclusions and avoid problems that repeat themselves again and again.

The first half of the race went according to plan, we were focused on a good result. You never know how the race will go, but everything looked positive, especially after starting from the pit lane. I know that after two difficult races in a row everyone is committed to progress. I trust the team and know that everyone is trying to avoid repeating mistakes in the future.

We hope that the weekend in Spa will be better and that we will go on holiday in a good mood. Last year we performed well in the sprint and finished third. This time the weekend will be held in a standard format, we are determined to perform as well as possible. I love racing on this circuit, it is one of my favorites, but the feelings I have here will always be contrasting.

The first half of 2024 was difficult for everyone, both in the base and on the track, but we are now in a much better position than in Bahrain and can improve the situation even further.

On Thursday evening I will once again be organising a race in memory of my friend Antoine Hubert, almost five years after his tragic death. I invite all Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 paddock personnel to run or walk the Spa circuit in his memory. We will stop at Eau Rouge to pay tribute to Antoine and then continue to Kemmel Straight to pay tribute to Dylano van’t Hoff with our friends at MP Motorsport.”