Esteban Ocon said he was "disappointed" by the comments made by Fernando Alonso as their relationship threatened to completely deteriorate in the final weeks of the season.
As team-mates, there was a feeling throughout 2022 that not all was well between them. The Spaniard in particular implied favouritism benefitting Ocon as he grew steadily more frustrated with the reliability problems from which he was suffering.
But things came to a head in Brazil, as they clashed on track in the Sprint. As a result of the damage they picked up they dropped out of the points positions – and duly received a public dressing-down from their very unhappy team principal Otmar Szafnauer.
While Ocon was diplomatic in front of the TV cameras after that incident, Alonso seemed past caring. Just one more race weekend remained of his Alpine career after that one, before he completed his move to Aston Martin ahead of next season.
And he made it clear he was glad that move was so close. Asked if he had spoken with the Frenchman after their collision, Alonso replied: "No, not really – I don't need to. One more race and it's over, finally."
Reacting to those comments, Ocon expressed his regret that the 41-year-old felt that way. He told reporters: "It's no secret that I was disappointed in seeing his comments after the race.
"There was no need for some [of the] criticism that he has done. But I respect him a lot. I will forever respect him for what he has done on the track over the years. He's a legend of the sport and that won't change – but I was a bit disappointed."
Alonso made his first appearance in Aston Martin colours in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi this week. And after taking to the track for the first time behind the wheel of the AMR22, he admitted he is "much more optimistic now" about what the 2023 season might hold for F1's oldest current racer.
Admitting he was "happily surprised by everything" he had experienced in the test, the Spaniard added: "When I signed for Aston Martin I was already 90% happy. When they started improving and finished the season on a high, I was 100%. This morning, I was 100 and now I'm 100-plus."
