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Ocon had a good reason to smile after the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. The Haas driver recorded a strong seventh, possibly his better races this season also. Sharing his happiness on social media after the event in a short but politically charged post, Ocon wrote: “P7!! Good day at the office 👍🏼 MERCI MONACO .” The post came with an accompanying winning photo that was showered with likes and support from the racing fraternity.
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Throughout his charge to seventh, he showed the calm in pressure and skill that is essential on a circuit like Monaco, where passing is a rarity and perfection is the only option. For Haas, long searching for consistency in the tight midfield fight, it was something of a breakthrough.
Comments flooded in praising him. One commenter wrote, “Absolute masterpiece,” while another stated, “Most underrated driver on the grid.” French-speaking fans joined the excitement with comments like “Belle course de ta part” (Great race from you) and “Bravo Esteban, je suis content” (Well done Esteban, I’m happy). This multilingual chorus testified to Ocon’s global appeal, acknowledging his days in France and worldwide fandom.
There were a few amusing comments. One fan claimed that shaking hands with Ocon before the race brought good luck to the driver; another speculated about the “blessing of the drowned cake” (a lighthearted tribute to a Mexican dessert) being behind Ocon’s streak. Some comments, not joking at all, accepted the points for Haas: “Mega points Esteban, happy for Haas.”
There were a couple of negatives in there, too, with one person describing Ocon as an underrated talent yet still stating, “Mate, only if you had good PR.” These were some of the things I have also heard. Despite the shining moments under his name, Ocon often still stands in the shadow of others.
Ocon perhaps was very much aware of the sweetness of the race in Monaco, due to his history there. Known for its unforgiving barriers and narrow streets, it rewards guys who drive aggressively-yet-patiently. Ocon’s seventh is the best finish for him since the Monaco GP of 2017–a reminder that adaptability and experience do really count.
Then the circus will move to Barcelona, where Ocon will try to carry the momentum forward. Judging from the reaction that came following his show in Monaco, support for Ocon from the wider community is probably greater than it has ever been. Will he be fighting for points, or still hiding under the radar? One thing that is certain is that Esteban Ocon has a knack for making his presence felt when matters count.
