Esteban Ocon felt it was a realisation of a dream to drive in Formula 1 last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, with the Frenchman having a solid first race for Manor Racing finishing 16th.
The Renault Sport F1 reserve driver is already looking forward to his second Grand Prix this weekend in Italy at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza but will not forget his first race in a hurry.
“It was a pretty full-on week in Spa, so a lot of the preparation passed by very quickly. Things were a lot calmer on Sunday though and I have to say I enjoyed every bit of race day. That’s when I really thought “Yes, this is it – I’m here”, and obviously I was very happy. Lining up on the grid was the realisation of a 15-year journey for me, since I was four and having some fun in a go-kart.”
Ocon is excited to drive at Monza in Formula 1 for the first time because of the historical significance and passion that the Italian fans bring to the occasion, and is hopeful of a stronger weekend now he has that first race under his belt.
“It’s such an amazing circuit, with so much history. I raced here in GP3 last year, so that’s good preparation, although the feeling with an F1 car is quite different and going out for the first time will be pretty special.
“What was so great about the race in Spa was that I had so many situations to deal with; it was an eventful race! I feel like I can roll all of that experience and learning into a much stronger weekend. I love the fast circuits, and I hope I can do well here.”
