Esteban Ocon compared the amount of traction he had at the start of the British GP to having four wheel drive, his excellent launch off the line helping him to get ahead of Force India team-mate Sergio Perez and stay there until race end.
Silverstone was only the second time this season Ocon has beaten his experienced team-mate when both cars finished. His start was good enough to also launch him past the Renault of Nico Hulkenberg and up to fifth place, but could not hold off the German driver.
“I had a brilliant start – it felt like four wheel drive and I moved up a couple of positions, but I lost out to Hulkenberg at the end of the first lap.”
While Force India were not troubling those in front, Ocon spent the race going toe-to-toe with his team-mate, comparing the battle to their sparring in the latter stages of the Canadian GP last month.
“I had a good battle with my teammate for most of the afternoon and the team let us race – just like Canada. Sergio was fast and giving me pressure, but I was able to stay ahead.”
Despite the rarity of beating his veteran team-mate, the Frenchman was more focused on his team’s general performance this year, remarking on their ability to be competitive every weekend.
“It’s very satisfying to see us score points again with both cars. Our consistency is our strength this year – on all tracks we are there with good speed and scoring points. We need to keep this up in the second half of the year.”
Eighth place at Silverstone has narrowed the gap between the Force India pair to nine points, with Ocon well clear of Carlos Sainz Jr for eighth in the championship following the Spaniard’s third retirement in four races.
