Ocon: 'I had the pace by far to attack Ricciardo'

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Esteban Ocon delivered another strong drive in today's Canadian Grand Prix, albeit one which did not yield the result he felt he could have achieved.

The Force India driver chose to endure a long first stint on his Ultrasoft tyres, an effort which saw him reach P2 by the time he stopped for a set of Supersofts on lap 33.

This put the Frenchman hot on the heels of team mate Sergio Perez as the pair, running third and fourth, set about catching Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull.

Feeling he was the faster of the pink panthers, Ocon suggested to the Force India pitwall that he be given a chance to attack Ricciardo, but Perez would have none of it, urging his team to let them race.

Eventually, the pair found themselves dealing with Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari who ultimately got the upper hand while Perez and Ocon fought among themselves, and lost out.

Canada 'walk in the park' for Hamilton as Vettel fights back

"It was a great race all in all," admitted Ocon despite his disappointment.

"It's just a shame I couldn't have a chance to go and pass Ricciardo. I think I had the pace by far to do it, so a podium was possible for me today.

"But that's how it is, that's racing sometimes so we have to discuss what happened in the debriefing room."

On his in-lap, Ocon radioed in to his team: "He cannot do that. This is not fair racing at all. This is not fair guys. This is not fair at all."

While many initially believed his frustrations were directed towards his team mate, they were actually intended for Sebastian Vettel and the aggressive move which forced Ocon off the track.

Asked if he felt frustrated about how events unfolded, Ocon responded with a smile and a confident "..My time will come".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.