Ocon wants Force India to review Russian GP swap strategy

Estaban Ocon has called on his Force India Formula 1 team to review its Russian Grand Prix strategy, after a decision to swap its cars failed to pay off.

When Ocon and teammate Sergio Perez found themselves stuck behind Kevin Magnussen, the Frenchman was told to let Perez through in a bid to attack the Haas driver.

Perez was unable to mount a significant challenge and ultimately handed the position back to Ocon as the Force India duo took ninth and 10th to secure another double points finish for the team.

"Ninth is third for us, so it's not too bad, but it's not the best," Ocon said. "I think we had the pace for more, the pace for at least being in front of the Haas. It's a bit of a shame.

"We tried to swap to see if someone could get the car in front, but we probably have to review this because I don't think it worked that time.

"We have to review [the tactics], but I think it would have been very tough for both of us. I understand the team's point, and to be able to try, but it didn't work out, so let's see what we can do better.

"When Sergio was behind he wasn't close to me, and when I was behind it was the opposite, I couldn't get close as well. The race was fixed from there."

Perez agreed with his teammate’s view but both drivers accepted little more could be done by Force India in order to gain further places.

"It was a day where we had to follow each other,” Perez added.

“The team tried to maximise the day, they gave me the chance to push onto Magnussen, because at the time we thought that I was a bit quicker, which didn't happen. Fair enough, Esteban got the position, it was just what we could do today.”

When asked if he felt Haas is Force India’s biggest competitor in the midfield, the Mexican replied: “The Sauber [Leclerc] came from nowhere and beat us massively.

“They have done an incredible job. I just saw him on the first lap and then he disappeared. Massive surprise."