Here’s a shocking truth about Formula 1 rivalries: even the most talented drivers can clash spectacularly, and Esteban Ocon’s battles with Sergio Perez at Force India are a prime example. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Ocon openly admits to making mistakes, he also hints that not every collision was his fault. So, who’s really to blame? Let’s dive in.
In 2017, Esteban Ocon, then just 20 years old, stepped into his first full Formula 1 season with Force India after a brief stint at Manor. Paired with the seasoned Sergio Perez—a six-time podium finisher—Ocon faced immense pressure to prove himself. And this is the part most people miss—despite their rivalry, the duo’s aggressive racing style actually helped the team secure a solid fourth place in the constructors’ championship that year.
Ocon recently reflected on this period in F1’s Off The Grid video, acknowledging the challenges: ‘I was racing against someone very experienced, Checo. He was incredibly consistent in the midfield, probably the most consistent out there.’ Yet, their on-track battles often crossed the line. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in Baku, where Ocon squeezed Perez into the wall while both cars were running in the top five. Perez retaliated at Spa-Francorchamps, twice forcing Ocon toward the inside wall on the run from La Source to Eau Rouge.
These clashes sparked heated reactions, with Ocon famously declaring after one race: ‘I don’t know if he wants to die or something. We risked our lives for nothing.’ The drama didn’t end in 2017—a year later, another collision at the Singapore Grand Prix sent Ocon into the wall, with the team placing blame squarely on Perez.
Looking back, Ocon attributes these incidents to his youthful impetuosity: ‘I was very young, inexperienced, and eager to prove myself. There were moments where I made mistakes, and others where I don’t feel it was my fault.’ He admits he’d handle things differently now, especially moments like Spa, which cost the team valuable points. But here’s the bold question—was Perez equally at fault, or was Ocon’s inexperience the real issue?
Despite the chaos, Ocon highlights the silver lining: ‘We finished fourth in the championship that year, and I secured a top 10 finish in my first full season. It was solid, for sure.’ However, Force India’s financial struggles added another layer of tension, as costly crashes were the last thing the team could afford. This eventually led to the team’s acquisition by a Lawrence Stroll-led consortium in 2018, rebranding it as Aston Martin.
Now, here’s where we want your take—was Ocon’s rivalry with Perez a necessary growing pain for a young driver, or did it cross the line into recklessness? And how much blame should Perez shoulder for these incidents? Let us know in the comments below!
