Ocon: Force India not distracted by rumours over future

What they say

Speaking before the news the team had gone into administration following legal action by a company linked to his team mate, Ocon said the following when asked by RaceFans how hard it was to stay focused on his job under the circumstances:

To be honest the atmosphere is as good as it was one year ago. And it’s transparent for me.

We are having new parts, I had a new steering a steering wheel a couple of races ago. I’m not lacking anything I have suits, underwear, everything I need!

I don’t see that problem, of course. I hear and I’m sure it’s a difficult situation. But I come here, the race team is focused on the job and it shouldn’t change. For me as I say it’s transparent.

Social media

Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram and more:

There’s obviously far more to it than just this, but Force India’s financial plight after establishing itself as best of the rest in #F1 in recent years shows how out of hand the team payouts (prize money) has become. Shame on those behind the current structure

— Glenn Freeman (@glenn_autosport) July 27, 2018

Here’s a little glimpse at the #F12018 event in London! 🇬🇧

Featuring a WIDE @ForceIndiaF1, @TheLeeMather doing his thing, @_aarava getting to grips with @Formula1game AND donuts! 🍩#MakeHeadlines pic.twitter.com/aUy6crWEgd

— Aaron Rook 🎮 (@AaronRook91) July 27, 2018

We made it!
Weekend 8/8 we are here. 👊 pic.twitter.com/u29rnxAPDf

— Pen Harrison 👩🏻‍💻 (@pen_harrisonF1) July 27, 2018

Guess he’ll say his tweet was a joke when he runs out of teams and retires in 2021. I asked a serious question and expected a straight answer; if he regrets is now I’ve no sympathy.

— Fritz-Dieter Rencken (@RacingLines) July 26, 2018

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Links

More motor racing links of interest:

Ferrucci chasing IndyCar return (Racer)

"It‘s no surprise that I’m back here and looking. The atmosphere here is nicer and way more friendly, plus I can drive out to about half the races."

Fiat Chrysler’s Sergio Marchionne Was Seriously Ill for Over a Year Before Dying (The Wall Street Journal (registration required))

"Sergio Marchionne had a 'serious illness' lasting more than a year before the longtime Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV chief died this week, a Swiss hospital said Thursday, a condition the car maker said it didn’t know about."

Ferrari strive to fill the gap left by Sergio Marchionne (The Telegraph)

"One important subplot involves Raikkonen. Camilleri is close friends with the 2007 world champion, who turns 39 in October and whose contract expires at the end of the year."

Bottas: ‘I love F1 as much as I did as a kid racing karts’ (The Guardian)

"I have progressed a lot from last year to this year. If I keep working there is no reason my peak is not ahead."

Red Bull gets fuel upgrade for Hungarian GP (Autosport)

"When asked if it was a worthwhile step, Horner said: 'We'll see. Certainly so far the feedback has been encouraging.'"

The shoey: Why it's a bad idea to copy Ricciardo's F1 podium ritual (ABC)

"The combination produces a toxic cocktail that may well lead to an unscheduled and extremely unwanted pit stop for Daniel and fellow shoey enthusiasts who follow his lead."

Senna's Imola Pass Was Never Photographed... Until Now (Road and Track)

"Those seconds at the San Marino Grand Prix, where his third-place Lotus was lapped by Senna’s McLaren, foreshadowed one of the most dominant seasons in F1 history."

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it in here:

• Contact RaceFans

Comment of the day

Yesterday we revealed Sergio Perez is involved in the legal proceedings which have led Force India into administration. Here’s what Sean made of the news:

I have to think Perez is leading his sponsors into an attempted takeover using the debt as leverage.

The BWT money actually being a loan rather than sponsorship is interesting too. I don’t know how English bankruptcy works but sounds to me they had a convertible note and chose to remain as a creditor should something happen. This situation will only get more convoluted and risk their future if the team is not sold quick.
Sean

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Big Galah, Solo and Holly!

If you want a birthday shout-out tell us when yours is via the contact form or adding to the list here.

On this day in F1

• Five years ago today Lewis Hamilton scored his first win for Mercedes at the Hungaroring