Lewis Hamilton Acclaims Rival Fernando Alonso’s Former Teammate Esteban Ocon After Heroic Monaco GP Efforts

One of the biggest stories of the 2023 Monaco GP was Esteban Ocon’s first podium finish of the season. The Alpine driver won a lot of hearts with his heroic drive last Sunday, and one of his admirers included his former teammate Fernando Alonso’s rival, Lewis Hamilton.

Alonso was Ocon’s teammate for two seasons at Alpine after the former made a return to the sport in 2021. However, a poor mechanical package frustrated him and compelled him to leave for Aston Martin. While Alonso has been soaring at Aston Martin, Ocon, and Alpine have been struggling so far this year. Hence, his herculean effort in Monaco will surely make the Enstone-based outfit breathe a sigh of relief.

Several people congratulated Ocon, but the one comment that stood out on his Instagram post was that of Hamilton’s. Hamilton, who was a long-time rival of Fernando Alonso, praised the Frenchman for finishing third behind the Spaniard.

Lewis Hamilton comments under Esteban Ocon’s post

Ocon, or as fans call him, ‘Estie Bestie’ was absolutely elated after his P3 finish. This was a major step forward for Alpine, who are now looking to chase Ferrari in the constructors’ championship standings.

Ocon shared his jubilation with fans on Instagram. Under a picture of him holding the trophy, he wrote: “PODIUM IN MONACO!!!  YESSSSSSS!!! I am speechless!! Amazing work from my team all weekend.. this podium is for you.” 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Esteban Ocon 🇫🇷 (@estebanocon)

Under the post, Hamilton commented, “Great drive bro” and fans loved this wholesome moment between the seven-time world champion and Ocon. An account going by the name Stefanie shared the same on Twitter.

Lewis commenting on Estebans IG post🥺 pic.twitter.com/SY7nr065ry

— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) May 29, 2023

Dream season continues for rival Fernando Alonso

Alonso and Hamilton became rivals in F1 in just the latter’s first-ever year. They were engaged in a championship battle that became heated but in the end, they both lost out on it. Since then, they haven’t been directly involved in a battle with each other over the course of a whole season. Still, they remain rivals with both drivers taking verbal jabs at each other throughout their careers.

Exactly 10 years ago: boiling point 😡#F1 #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/QrCrHpdE8H

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 4, 2017

Even though Hamilton has gone on to be the more successful star in F1, Alonso is currently much better off. The former Renault driver is having a dream season, and has stood on the podium five times out of a possible six.

Hamilton meanwhile, has just one podium finish, which he earned when he finished ahead of Alonso in the Australian GP last month.