Esteban Ocon Issues Clarification After Alpine F1 PR Stunt Goes Wrong in France

Esteban Ocon, the French Formula 1 driver for the French Formula 1 team, Alpine, recently posted a behind-the-scenes of a video that many people on social media took offense to. So much so that the Hungarian GP winner had to clarify the situation.

Ocon had posted a BTS video in which he was doing some donuts in an Alpine car meant to be delivered to the Gendarmerie. The Gendarmerie is one of the two National Police Forces of France, and traditionally, they’ve received an Alpine car since 1966.

And this year it was a little more special because the nation’s pride in F1 delivered the Alpine.

But most people were rubbed the wrong way because of a misunderstanding. Many people thought that instead of the Formula 1 driver, there was an actual police officer doing the ‘stunts.’

One Twitter user wrote, “Isn’t that kind of thing forbidden? It’s not a racetrack, I’m not amused.” Another wrote, “It’s a shame what is done here with our taxpayers’ money.” 

“And with our money !!! Nickel! But mash, at least don’t film, have a little bit of respect,” replied a user.

So the Alpine F1 driver posted a clarification on his Twitter in response to the criticism that emerged out of the misunderstanding. Ocon wrote, “After reading some tweets, i want to clarify that I was at the wheel of the A110 Gendarmerie for a promotional shooting organised by Alpine.”

Esteban Ocon describes the ‘huge progress’ Alpine made in 2021

After a successful season compared to the objectives at the beginning of 2021, Ocon spoke about his team’s collective effort that led to the “huge progress.”

He said, “Everything we’ve done inside operationally, taking strategy decisions, looking after the tyres, looking after the car itself and getting the maximum out of it.”

“We got two podiums, almost three this season for the team with a car that didn’t perform as good as last year.”

As for the next season, Ocon said that they want to keep going on an upward curve.

And with an in-form and confident Fernando Alonso on board, if they find the pace, according to Esteban Ocon, Alpine “will be quite dangerous.”

Also Read: Esteban Ocon Hails Great Friendship With Alpine F1 Teammate Fernando Alonso