Monthly Archives: April 2023

‘Lucky escape’ – Formula 1 drama as Esteban Ocon almost hits people in the pitlane

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended in drama but in the pit lane – not on the track – as Esteban Ocon narrowly avoided striking several people.

The Alpine driver was heading in for a late stop but as he came in, he was faced with a group of people who had emerged for the end of the race.


Sky Sports

Ocon was jus yards away from the photographers who had gathered[/caption]


Sky Sports

Some realised extremely late that the car was coming straight for them[/caption]


Sky Sports

Everyone got out of harms way – but only just[/caption]

All cars must stop at least once during a race and Ocon had managed 50 laps without visiting his team.

So, on the final lap, he needed to head to the Alpine garage – but some personnel in the pitlane hadn’t realised.

This led to some moving out to greet the race winner Sergio Perez, teammate Max Verstappen who was runner-up, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who completed the podium.

However, it ended in chaos as those in the way leapt to safety.

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports co-commentator Karun Chandhok was stunned by the shocking scenes.

And he claimed it was a ‘lucky escape’ with Ocon managing to slow down and let those in the way dive to safety.


F1 TV

Ocon’s on-board camera captured the shock scene ahead of him[/caption]