Esteban Ocon believes Force India missed an opportunity for a podium finish after being embroiled in a battle with team-mate Sergio Perez during the closing stages of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Ocon ran a different strategy to the drivers around him, going on a long first stint that saw him rejoin in sixth place behind the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.
The Frenchman quickly caught up to Perez and Daniel Ricciardo after displacing the Finn, who were battling for third place, but the latter was able to defend his position.
The team opted to let Perez attack the Red Bull rather than letting Ocon through, who had 13-lap younger tyres – and later was unable to fend off a charge from Sebastian Vettel.
Asked if he’d spoken to Perez following the incident, Ocon said: “No, no yet. It was a great race all in all, It’s just a shame I couldn’t have a chance to go and pass Ricciardo.
“I think I had the pace by far, so a podium was possible for me today. But that’s how it is, that’s racing sometimes. We have to discuss what happened in the debrief.”
Despite the disappointment, Ocon remains positive going forward, believing his chance for success will eventually come down the line.
“My time will come. I’m not scared at all, a talk will happen in the debrief. There is no reasons for me to be scared or anything.”
On the in-lap, Ocon radioed: “He cannot do that. He cannot do that. He moved at the last moment. What is this? He cannot do that. This is not fair racing at all.
“This is not fair guys. This is not fair at all.”
The 20-year-old continues his impressive record of finishing all of the 16 grands prix he has started.
