F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Dutch TV pundit apologises for brazen insult to Ocon

Drivers aren't the only ones in the F1 paddock who resort to some colorful language now and then, with Ziggo Sport's Jack Plooij publicly disparaging Esteban Ocon at Spa last weekend.

The Dutch reporter was perhaps still reeling from Ocon's on-track and off-track spat with Plooij's countryman Max Verstappen at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, when the two drivers came to blows after Ocon had inadvertently tagged the Red Bull race leader onto a costly spin.

At Spa, Plooij was conducting an on-camera interview with Lando Norris, addressing the McLaren driver's remarks about Ocon's "dangerous" out lap antics in qualifying.

The Dutch referred to Ocon as "that French f***", catching an embarrassed Norris off guard. Inevitably, Plooij's degrading words were picked up on social media where the reporter was heavily - and justifiably - criticized for his disrespectful and unprofessional attitude.

However on Monday, the Ziggo pundit owned up to his blunder, apologizing for his abuse, an admission which the gracious Mr. Ocon readily accepted!

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Russell confident in Mercedes W17 – but stops short of title claim

Mercedes’ George Russell is currently the bookmakers’ favorite for the 2026 F1 world title, yet…

33 mins ago

F1 engine dispute heads for boiling point in key FIA meetings

This week, Formula 1’s engine manufacturer’s are heading into two crucial meetings with the FIA,…

2 hours ago

Brundle fears less 'raw racing’ with new-era F1 cars

Formula 1 may be charging toward its most electrified future yet, but Sky F1's Martin…

3 hours ago

‘Gloves off’: Red Bull would love freer F1 engine development

Red Bull Powertrains technical director Ben Hodgkinson has made it clear he would rather see…

4 hours ago

Cadillac to move from reliability to speed in Bahrain – Lowdon

After a careful shakedown in Barcelona, Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed that the…

21 hours ago

Aston Martin insider says Newey-led AMR26 is ‘on another level’

Aston Martin’s 2026 challenger hasn’t turned a competitive wheel in anger yet, but inside the…

22 hours ago