Full Breakdown
Esteban Ocon Reflects on Early Rivalry with Sergio Perez at Force India
1/18/2026, 10:05:24 PM
High-Profile Incidents in 2017 and 2018
Esteban Ocon has openly acknowledged his mistakes during his early years in Formula 1, particularly regarding his rivalry with Sergio Perez while they were teammates at Force India. Ocon, who joined the team in 2017 after a brief stint with Manor, faced significant pressure as a rookie racing alongside the experienced Perez, a six-time podium finisher. The duo's competitive spirit led to several notable collisions, including incidents at the Baku Grand Prix and Spa-Francorchamps, which resulted in costly damage and lost points for the team.
In Baku, both drivers were running in the top five when Ocon squeezed Perez into the wall, prompting a furious reaction from Perez. At Spa, the roles reversed, with Perez pushing Ocon towards the wall, leading to Ocon's exasperated comments questioning Perez's intentions. The rivalry escalated further in 2018 when both cars collided at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, with the team attributing blame to Perez.
Ocon's Reflections on His Inexperience
Looking back, Ocon has expressed guilt over these incidents, attributing them to his inexperience and eagerness to prove himself. He stated, “I was very young. I was inexperienced. I wanted to push hard and show people what I was capable of.” Despite the clashes, Ocon emphasized that their competitive racing contributed to the team's overall success, as they finished fourth in the constructors' championship that year.
Ocon has since recognized the importance of learning from mistakes, stating, “We all make mistakes, but it’s how you overcome those.” He specifically cited the Spa incident as a major regret, noting that it cost the team valuable points. Ocon maintains a level of respect for Perez, reflecting on their time together with a sense of nostalgia and acknowledgment of the lessons learned.
Official Statements & Responses
In a recent interview, Ocon reiterated his views on the incidents, saying, “There are things that I would have liked to change. Like Spa, for example. These kinds of moments, it shouldn’t have happened.” He emphasized that while he still believes that racing hard is crucial, he wishes things could have unfolded differently. Ocon's reflections highlight the dual nature of competition in Formula 1, where the drive for success can lead to both triumphs and regrets.
What's Next for Ocon and Perez
As both drivers prepare to return to the grid in 2026, with Perez joining the new Cadillac team and Ocon remaining at Haas, their past rivalry may resurface. However, Ocon's growth and understanding of the sport suggest a more mature approach to their future encounters. The upcoming season will provide an opportunity for both drivers to demonstrate their evolution since their tumultuous time at Force India.
