A soaking Saturday in Montreal saw Esteban qualify in P7 for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Esteban made a good start to progress up the field and gain a position into P6, before the first of two Virtual Safety Car (VSC) interventions on lap nine, with the second VSC period being triggered on lap 19.
This second VSC ended up being perfectly timed for Esteban, who was able to benefit from a pitstop to fit the Hard tyres for the next stint of his race.
Esteban was running in P6, before a Safety Car on lap 49 allowed the team to double stop both cars onto Mediums for an 18-lap Sprint to the chequered flag. Fernando was lacking pace as a result of a suspected air leak with Esteban tactically giving him DRS to navigate his way to the end - crossing the line with Esteban in P6, with teammate Fernando just behind.
With ten points scored today with the help of Esteban, BWT Alpine F1 Team remains in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, eight points behind nearest rivals McLaren.
Esteban Ocon (Started P7, Finished P6):
“I’m very happy with the result today to score eight points. The team did a great job with the car and the strategy and it was all well managed overall. We leave Canada with some good points for the team and a big step up in the Constructors’ Championship.
I’m glad I was able to help Fernando at the end there with DRS to keep Valtteri [Bottas] behind. There is still a lot to discuss and learn with regards to how the weekend unfolded, but the important thing is to keep this momentum going and keep delivering good performances in the next races.”
Silverstone hosts the next race for the British Grand Prix in two-weeks time on the 1-3 July.
