Esteban Ocon expresses frustration following Baku incident: ‘I don’t deserve all this nonsense’

“Unbelievable,” Ocon expressed. “We were set for a Q3 lap; the car was performing well. We don’t often have opportunities like this when the car is functioning properly — it hasn’t been consistent all season. We made improvements, but we had a Q3 car today.”

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Detailing the reason for his setback, he continued: “The yellow flag, mainly. I felt a gust of wind the lap before, but I was on track for a Q3 lap as well. Then I posted the same lap time again approaching Turn 15. I’m not sure who went off, but I had to ease off on the exit to avoid any penalties. I ended up with the same lap time. So, I lost, what, three or four tenths because of that?

“Unbelievable. You know, I’m at a loss for words. It’s ‘different race weekend, same problems,’ you know. There’s always something happening on my end, whether it’s the car, some other issue, yellow flags, safety cars, whatever. But I don’t deserve all the burdens I’m carrying at the moment. So, I don’t know. I might need to take a good shower.”

Speaking candidly, aware of the uncertainty surrounding his future with Haas as they assess multiple drivers for 2027, Ocon found no bright side to the VF-26’s improved speed, as Oliver Bearman qualified 11th — the team’s strongest qualifying performance since the Chinese GP.

“We need to contend for a top 10 finish tomorrow now, because we’re in 14th, not in the top 10,” Ocon stated. “Ultimately, yes, we were competitive, but we can’t get there. It’s never happening.”