An emotional Esteban Ocon says his first Formula 1 podium proves hard work pays off following a tough 2020 season.
The Frenchman made a one-stop strategy work to move to the front of the midfield pack, and though Sergio Perez was able to get past and eventually claim the win, Ocon would move up to second after the two Mercedes had their pit-stop disaster and George Russell suffered a late puncture.
For the Renault driver, it was a result that made up for what has been a tricky return season to F1 this year, having been outclassed by teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
“I’ve no words. I cried on the line,” Ocon said. “That’s how much emotion is going through my mind, actually.
“It’s been a tough season, on our side. It hasn’t paid off all the time, but we never stopped pushing, we kept working hard and kept staying motivated. That was very important.
“At the moment where there are less and less people believing in you, it’s important to believe in yourself and today we made it happen. I’m very pleased with it so it’s hard work, but it paid off.”
Ocon had earlier voiced his wish to play a part in Renault’s fight for third in the Constructors’ standings, this after seeing Ricciardo claim podiums at Nurburgring and Imola.
Also Read:
And though Racing Point now sit 22 points ahead after their first and third on Sunday, it still vindicated the 24-year-old’s gradual improvements against Ricciardo.
“Daniel is a fantastic benchmark,” Ocon added. “He has done a very solid season into his second season at Renault, and he has stepped up.
“But overall, you know, I feel like my progression has been strong as well, I’m closing the gap to him and, to have that podium, is the cherry on the cake.”