Ocon "surprised" by Force India pace in closing stages of Monaco GP 

Force India’s Esteban Ocon admits his pace in the closing stages of Sunday’s Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix took him by surprise. 

Ocon claimed a strong points haul for Force India by sealing sixth place in Monaco, a result that lifted the Silverstone-based outfit above midfield rivals Toro Rosso into sixth in the constructors’ championship. 

The Frenchman was the fastest driver on circuit in the final stint as he rapidly closed onto the back of the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, with both drivers running an alternative strategy compared to the top four by switching onto Pirelli’s red-marked Supersofts. 

“It was a fantastic race. The pace we had, I was at some points the quickest on track, which was quite surprising,” Ocon said. 

Ocon believes he had the pace to pass Bottas had he not run out of laps and said he never doubted Force India’s strategy. 

“I was catching Bottas and Raikkonen towards the end and I think if I had a couple more laps I could have done something,” he added. "I totally trust the team. We have a great understanding of the tyres and once it gets difficult than that we are better than the others.” 

Teammate Sergio Perez missed out on a points finish as he dropped to 12th following a botched pit stop, leaving the Mexican lamenting a “lost opportunity” to score important points. 

“I am disappointed because we didn’t get the result our pace deserved,” Perez explained. “We had a problem at the pit stop and this completely ruined our race. Our first stint was strong, we looked after the tyres well and pushed hard just before the stop. 

‘We had a good rhythm but we pitted slightly early to react to what was happening around us. We lost some time, but in the second part of the race we had good pace. Unfortunately, it was impossible to overtake. 

“I was quicker than the cars in front, but you need a big advantage to be able pass around here, especially with these very wide cars,” he added. “I leave Monaco feeling we have lost some important points. Esteban showed what we could do today and it feels like an opportunity lost.”