Ocon: "Verstappen and I hated each other in F3"

  • Published on 18 Nov 2016 12:48
  • comments 4
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Esteban Ocon says he does not look back with fondness on his past duels with F1 sensation Max Verstappen. The pair have been wheel-to-wheel since their karting days, and Frenchman Ocon - to step up from Manor to Force India next year - says it has always been intense with Verstappen. "We fought hard all the time, like in F3," he told the Dutch publication Formule 1.

Ocon, who is a year older than 19-year-old Verstappen, is referring to the 2014 championship won by the Frenchman. "The battle was heavy and intense," he said. "I was usually quicker in qualifying, him in the race." Asked if it was a pleasant battle, Ocon answered: "No it was not! It was often on the verge of dangerous. But we never crashed, so you can conclude that it was a hard but fair fight."

Ocon said Verstappen is "a lot more aggressive" than him, explaining: "I mean, I'm aggressive when I really need to be, not all the time. I think first before I take aggressive risks. That the big difference between me and Max," he said.

Asked if they respected each other during their battles, Ocon continued: "Not really. We hated each other during the season, but outside it was ok. But I think we have since become more mature." (GMM)

No doubt Max has put some raciness back in to F1 but he is going to get someone hurt if doesn't have respect for the other drivers and everyone's safety. Hopefully it won't come to that.

  • 3
  • Nov 18 2016 - 20:31

Replies (4)

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  • ????

    Why did you hate each other? What is the meaning of this article? That they become more mature? Stop posting opinions when somebody says something about an other driving, I think no one is served with expressions like these.

    • + 0
    • Nov 18 2016 - 16:37
    • Hemex

      Posts: 1,282

      This is not an opinion, this is what Ocon actually said about himself. On track they hate each others guts, and off track they have no problems with each other. I'd say that's quite normal for a thoroughbred racing driver. Or would you prefer them being best friends on track?

      • + 0
      • Nov 18 2016 - 17:48
  • Romazan

    Posts: 1

    to summon up Ocon,never a winner just erratic & pathetic
    https://youtu.be/MX1aXl80ORI

    • + 1
    • Nov 18 2016 - 18:18
  • No doubt Max has put some raciness back in to F1 but he is going to get someone hurt if doesn't have respect for the other drivers and everyone's safety. Hopefully it won't come to that.

    • + 3
    • Nov 18 2016 - 20:31

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