Esteban Ocon has taken responsibility for his role in several collisions with Force India team-mate Sergio Perez. The 20-year-old Mercedes protege, entering his first full Formula 1 season after a brief stint with Manor, acknowledged making 'mistakes' during their intense rivalry.

Ocon's admission comes after a tumultuous 2017 campaign where his on-track battles with the more experienced Perez often turned costly. Their partnership, which paired a rising talent with a proven podium finisher, became one of the season's most talked-about intra-team dynamics, frequently impacting the team's points haul.

The rivalry exposed the growing pains of a young driver competing at the highest level. Ocon's public accountability signals a maturing approach as he looks to build on his rookie year. All eyes will be on whether their partnership can find a more collaborative rhythm in the future.