Gasly and Ocon reflect on short home grand prix

After a decade off the calendar, the French Grand Prix returned but for two of the three Frenchman on the grid, it was over in a matter of corners. Both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly were out on the spot after contact on the opening lap left both cars unable to continue.

“I had a good start – I was alongside Romain for half of the straight and already I was on the edge of the track, one wheel outside the white line,” Ocon said.

“He had nobody on his side on the right and suddenly he turned into me. It was a massive hit which launched me on the kerb and damaged my side. I think I would have retired from that actually. And then I keep going and in Turn 3 Pierre ends the job.

“It’s been so long since I wanted to race here. We prepared very hard and it ends after 3 corners. It’s just silly.”

Naturally, Gasly saw things differently.

“I was behind Esteban and I saw he had damage on the car. And then in Turn 3 I went on the inside and thought he had seen me and would leave me space, and he just took the corner like there was nobody (there) and it was impossible to avoid the contact.

“I’m sure he didn’t do it on purpose, but it’s just a very difficult moment now, especially to have a collision between two French drivers of the comeback of the French GP.”