Ocon praises Alpine strategy after P3 result: 'It was the perfect lap'

Esteban Ocon secured his, and Alpine's, first podium of the Formula 1 2023 season after fending off Ferraris and Mercedes at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Starting in third place after Charles Leclerc's post-qualifying penalty, Ocon held onto third place and ran ahead of the two Ferraris, two Mercedes and teammate Pierre Gasly.

He survived contact with Carlos Sainz early on and, when the Ferrari threat faded away, warded off a late threat from Lewis Hamilton to hold the final podium position.

Speaking after the race, Ocon credited the Alpine team with pitting him on the "perfect lap" to hold onto the third place in difficult conditions.

"We've done it! It was a super weekend from everyone at the team, from the first day on the simulator to the practice sessions," an elated Ocon told media after the race.

"We improved the car from beginning to end and we didn't put a wrong foot. Even when we put the Inters on it was the perfect lap to do so.

"I'm just enjoying the moment now. It's been a while since I've been up on the podium and I hope this is the first of many."