Rossi delighted with Ocon podium, but 'still work to do'

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Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi commended the French F1 outfit for its strong performance in last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon delivered to the team its first podium since Qatar in 2021 after a flawless and combative race in the streets of the Principality.

Pierre Gasly added to the Enstone squad's points haul by finishing seventh.

Overall, the result certainly boosted the team's credit in the eyes of Rossi who recently heavily criticized the outfit for its poor results, calling into question its crews professionalism, mindset and ability to execute.

Rossi's scathing public comments sent a shockwave through the team, with the executive also warning of changes if the outfit did not quickly get its act together, although he made clear that Ocon and Gasly had no responsibility in Alpine's underperformance.

"I am happy. I am happy for the team," the Frenchman told Reuters ahead of celebrating Ocon's podium in Monte Carlo.

"I’m not going to say I want them to finish P3 every race, that would be unrealistic - I would love that, but we still have a lot of work to do to get there.

Read also: Ocon praises Alpine for 'never putting a foot wrong' in Monaco

"But yes, certainly be serious, applied, deliver a strong performance like they did this weekend – drivers, engineers, mechanics, everyone here at the track and in Enstone and Viry."

Alpine isn't out of the woods yet, and team boss Otmar Szafnauer confirmed in Monaco that structural changes are on their way at Enstone.

But the team's solid weekend in the Principality hopefully alleviated part of Rossi's concerns and reduced the massive pressure on Alpine's crews.

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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.