Esteban Ocon, currently driving for Haas F1, disclosed a startling detail about his crash during the 2022 Miami Grand Prix practice session, revealing that he “peed red” the day after the accident. The French driver, known for his consistent performances in the midfield, has played a crucial role in helping the American team score points this season.
After leaving Alpine following the Qatar Grand Prix last year, Ocon joined the Banbury-based team at the start of 2025. Despite his relatively recent move, he has maintained an aggressive driving approach, often pushing his car’s capabilities to the limit.
Recounting the Miami Crash During a Candid Interview
In an interview recorded by Wired, where Ocon and other Formula 1 drivers addressed the most searched F1 questions, Ocon reflected on the physical toll of the crash while discussing the forces drivers experience during a race. The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix winner recalled:
“The Miami One, that hurt. I peed red the following day” — Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 driver
Ocon’s crash occurred at the slow section of the Miami Autodrome, where his car lost control and collided with a wall that lacked sufficient protective barriers. The incident mirrored a similar crash by Carlos Sainz, who drove for Ferrari, at the same corner a day earlier.
Ocon Voices Frustration Over Safety Standards at Miami
The impact of the crash, which registered a staggering 51G, left Ocon frustrated and critical of the safety measures in place. Previously, he publicly labeled the crash as “unacceptable” due to the severity of the collision and the risk it posed to drivers.
Speaking with Autosport, the Normandy-born driver expressed his concerns about the lack of action following similar incidents:
“What is unacceptable really, it was 51G for what should have been not such a big impact. To not have it and [for only] one car it has happened, but when Carlos has complained to the race director, we were all there listening to it, and nothing has been done. There was a discussion last night. Carlos said the impact was way too big for what it should have been. Today it felt huge, the impact. It’s probably the biggest shunt of my career, to be fair.” — Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 driver
Ocon continued to emphasize the need for stronger safety protocols, citing both his and Sainz’s injuries as evidence demanding immediate action:
“Yesterday Carlos got hurt. I got hurt today as well. The FIA should push harder for our safety. The important thing is that we’re able to race, and I will be able to race as well. When a professional driver to the calibre of Carlos, racing for Ferrari, is saying something like this yesterday, I think the minimum is that it should be taken into consideration, and do the best possible to make a change,” — Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 driver
Resilience Displayed by Drivers Despite Injuries
Despite the pain caused by their violent impacts, Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz showed remarkable resilience by returning to compete in the main race. Ocon managed to secure eighth place, while Sainz finished strongly in third, underlining their commitment and toughness as top-level drivers.
Their crashes have sparked a broader conversation about driver safety and the effectiveness of current track safety measures, especially regarding barriers and areas where cars can sustain substantial impacts. The FIA faces mounting pressure to evaluate and improve protective standards to prevent similar dangerous incidents.
With voices like Ocon and Sainz calling for change, the Miami Grand Prix crash remains a significant event raising questions about how Formula 1 can better safeguard its competitors moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened with Esteban Ocon?
A. He departed from Alpine following the Qatar Grand Prix and joined Haas for the 2025 season, teaming up with Oliver Bearman. By the 2025 British Grand Prix, Ocon had secured one race victory, one fastest lap, and four podium finishes in Formula One. He has a contract with Haas that lasts until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Q. Was Esteban Ocon rich?
A. Esteban Ocon is a French Formula 1 driver with earnings of $21 million (£15.8 million).
He started his F1 career in 2016 with the Manor Racing Team, which later became Marussia.
Over the years, he has raced for different teams and is now racing with Haas.
