They say that rain is a great leveler in motorsports. Everything you may know about your car, about the circuit, and your rival goes out the window when it rains. Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon, showcased exceptional skills in the rain at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Ocon started the race P8 but avoided the accident at the first corner and the spray to move behind Lewis Hamilton in P2. He eventually went onto win the race after Hamilton’s pit stop gamble.
WATCH STORY: Love Is in the Paddock: F1 Fraternity Rings in Valentine’s Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Esteban Ocon explains the experience of driving F1 cars in the rain
Ocon has always thrived in rainy and mixed conditions. He put his Renault in P4 last year at the Styrian Grand Prix qualifying. In a new video, Ocon explained the challenges of driving in the rain.
” You just go with the car you have and do the best you can.” said the Alpine driver.
” You can’t have fear in those moments. When you think about it afterward, you think like Uff,” said Ocon.
When asked why he likes the rain so much, Esteban mentioned,” I like a bit of sideways action. I like a bit of drifting and it’s not usually the fastest way, but in the rain, you have all of that… It’s always fighting until the last lap in the rain because it can give you chances.”
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About F1 Helmet Visors and How They Work in the Rain
You have a flashback once you cross the line mentions the Alpine driver
Ocon has had a tough time in F1. Racing Point dropped him at the end of the 2018 season and did not compete in 2019. He came back in the 2020 season but struggled to get up to speed. So his first win was a welcome surprise to everyone.
“It’s so much emotion. You have a flashback once you cross the line,” mention Ocon on his feeling crossing the chequered flag.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Throughout all my career, my family, everything we’ve been through. You remember the sacrifices you’ve made. It’s pretty special.” said Ocon on his journey to F1.
Ocon defended from Vettel‘s onslaught the whole race and came out in front of him and Hamilton.
Is Ocon one of the best drivers in rain in F1? Let us know.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad