Esteban Ocon admitted responsibility for the incident with Franco Colapinto during the Formula 1 Chinese GP last Sunday (15). The Frenchman also stated he apologized to the Alpine Argentine after the race. The stewards considered Ocon fully to blame for the collision and applied a 10-second penalty, but decided not to add points to his super license.
The crash occurred shortly after Colapinto left the pits. Ocon attempted an overtake on the inside at Turn 2, but ended up hitting the Argentine’s car, causing both to spin. After the race, the Frenchman acknowledged the mistake when speaking to the press present at the Shanghai International Circuit: “Yes, unfortunately, that is the focus today, where we are and where we fell, out of the points zone, unfortunately,” said Ocon.
“We were doing very well at the start. I fought with Franco [Colapinto] the whole race, so the blame is clearly mine.” He explained that the overtaking attempt was too optimistic. “In this last incident, I was a bit too optimistic, and the gap wasn’t really there. There was only one more point to gain, so that was the only point for Franco to try to get. Either I got him, or it would be nothing today. I was taking all the risks, but it shouldn’t have ended that way.”
The Haas Frenchman also confirmed that he spoke with his rival after the race: “Yes, I apologized. I was happy that he scored a point because he deserved it.”
Even after spinning, Colapinto managed to recover and finished in tenth place, securing his first point since the 2024 United States GP. Ocon crossed the line in 14th, one lap down.
After the incident, the Frenchman received attacks on social media, including threats. Colapinto’s management team asked fans to avoid abuse: “Emotions can run high after on-track incidents, but threats and abuse directed at drivers or their families cross a clear line that should have no place in motorsport.”
