Ocon involved in dangerous 300kph pitlane incident

01 May 2023 12:21am
Alpine's French driver Esteban Ocon drives during the second practice session of the 2023 Formula One Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on March 31. - AFP
Alpine's French driver Esteban Ocon drives during the second practice session of the 2023 Formula One Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on March 31. - AFP
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JEREZ, Spain - Esteban Ocon was involved in a dangerous pitlane incident right at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Alpine driver pitted for tyres on the last lap at 300kph only to find people milling about the pitlane as he made his way to his garage.

It appeared an error by F1's governing body the FIA had allowed personnel into the pit lane area too early.

"It was a good race until I had to box on the last lap," he said.

"Not something we want to see. I don't understand why the people are prepping the podium while we are still racing in the pitlane.

The French driver added: "It was a very, very close moment, I'm arriving at 300kph, braking at the last moment, and I'm seeing people around. It's definitely something that needs to be changed." Red Bull team principal Christian Horner called for action to avoid a repeat of what had the potential to be a horrendous incident.

"That needs a review because Esteban's within his right to pit on the last lap. That's something the FIA need to police a little better before the end of the race," said Horner.

Ocon finished 15th in Sunday's race which saw Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen lead Red Bull to a one-two triumph. - AFP

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