Esteban Ocon enjoyed a superb qualification in Abu Dhabi

This final qualifying session of the year was important for Alpine, who needed to be at the front to defend their 4th position in the Constructors’ Championship against McLaren. Lando Norris managed to place just ahead of Esteban Ocon’s Alpine, but the progress of the car throughout the qualifying sessions is satisfying for the French driver.

« Two very good days, probably the best qualifications of the year on our side. We really made progress in each session, in each run, trying a lot of different things and finding the best compromise on the car.

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The surprise of the McLarens

The Alpines proved to be faster than the McLarens in the free practice sessions, which was a real surprise for the French team to find themselves behind Lando Norris after qualifying. Therefore, the French team will probably remain in the leading positions despite their comfortable lead, in order to secure a 4th place finish in the championship.

« I’m really happy with our side, I think there was nothing better to do on the Q3 round. The small downside, obviously, is being overtaken by Lando Norris in the end, but they hid their game pretty well during yesterday’s FP2 and they stepped up the power today. We knew they were fast, but it was a surprise that they were so fast.

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Should Alpine be ahead of McLaren?

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a complicated race for Alpine. The French team has a good lead over McLaren in the constructor’s championship. However, they are not safe from a turn of events that could benefit their British rival. A question therefore arises for the drivers and the Alpine team. Should they approach this race without taking any risks? Esteban Ocon is a driver, but above all, he is a competitor and would like to achieve a good result on the track. He will have to discuss it with his team.

« We will obviously have to discuss it with the team, but if we are in front, there would be no calculations to be made so it would make things simpler.