Esteban Ocon

Esteban José Jean-Pierre Ocon-Khelfane (born 17 September 1996) is a French racing driver who competes in Formula One for Haas. Ocon started his racing career in karting and progressed through various racing categories, clinching championships in GP3 Series and FIA Formula 3 European Championship. He made his Formula One debut in 2016 with Manor Racing and has since raced for teams such as Force India and Alpine, securing his first victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Known for his determination and resilience, Ocon is contracted with Haas until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Full Name:
Esteban José Jean-Pierre Ocon-Khelfane
Birthday:
17 September 1996
Birthplace:
Évreux, Eure, France
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Residence:
Geneva, Switzerland
Gender:
Male
Parents:
Laurent Ocon (Father), Sabrina Khelfane (Mother)
Status:
In a Relationship
Partner:
Flavy Barla
Primary Series:
Notable Achievements:
Hungarian Grand Prix (Race Win Year 2021),
Previous Team:
Manor Racing (From 2016, To 2016), Force India (From 2017, To 2018), Renault (From 2020, To 2024), Alpine (From 2020, To 2024)
Car Number:
31

Esteban Ocon Bio

Early Life and Background

Esteban José Jean-Pierre Ocon-Khelfane was born on 17 September 1996 in Évreux, Eure, France. He grew up in a working-class family; his father, Laurent Ocon, was a mechanic who owned a garage. To support Esteban’s karting career, his parents sold their family home and traveled to races in a caravan. This commitment to his racing aspirations was evident from a young age, as he began competitive kart racing at the age of nine, winning several national and international titles.

Ocon’s family background is diverse, with his paternal roots tracing back to Málaga, Spain, and his mother having Algerian heritage. As of 2022, he resides in Geneva, Switzerland, and is fluent in multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, and Italian. In 2023, Ocon began a relationship with model Flavy Barla after previously dating Elena Berri since 2018.

Path to Formula One

Ocon’s journey in motorsports began in karting, where he quickly made a name for himself. He transitioned to single-seaters in 2012, competing in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps. His success continued as he moved to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2014, where he clinched the championship title with Prema, finishing ahead of notable drivers like Max Verstappen.

In 2015, Ocon won the GP3 Series championship, solidifying his status as a rising star in motorsports. He was signed by the Mercedes Junior Team, which provided him with further opportunities. Ocon made his Formula One debut in 2016 with Manor Racing, stepping in for Rio Haryanto. His performance in the lower categories paved the way for his entry into Formula One.

Esteban Ocon Career

Early Career (2016)

Ocon made his Formula One debut at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix, finishing sixteenth in his first race. He continued with Manor Racing for the remainder of the season, showcasing his potential despite the team’s struggles. His best result that year was twelfth place at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which placed him ahead of his teammate in the Drivers’ Championship.

Force India Breakthrough (2017–2018)

In late 2016, Ocon signed with Force India for the 2017 season, partnering with Sergio Pérez. He scored his first Formula One point in his debut race for the team at the Australian Grand Prix and continued to impress with consistent performances. Ocon achieved a remarkable streak of twelve consecutive points finishes, although he faced challenges in his relationship with Pérez, leading to several on-track incidents.

In 2018, Ocon continued with Force India, finishing eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with 87 points. His season included notable performances, such as a third-place start at the Italian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. However, he faced difficulties securing a seat for the following season due to the team’s financial struggles.

Renault/Alpine Era (2020–2024)

Ocon returned to Formula One full-time in 2020 with Renault, where he partnered with Daniel Ricciardo. He quickly made an impact, achieving his first podium finish at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020. The following year, he secured his maiden victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Ocon’s time with Alpine saw him achieve multiple podiums, including a third-place finish at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. He remained with the team until the end of the 2024 season, achieving consistent results and proving his capabilities as a competitive driver.

Haas Era (2025–Present)

In 2025, Ocon joined Haas on a multi-year deal, partnering with rookie Oliver Bearman. His transition to Haas marked a new chapter in his career as he aimed to establish himself within the team. After a challenging start to the season, Ocon finished fifth at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking his first points finish with Haas. As the season progresses, he continues to adapt to the VF-25 and aims for further success.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Ocon is known for his determination and resilience on the track. His racing style combines aggressive overtaking maneuvers with strategic decision-making, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities during races. His experience across various teams has honed his skills, making him a formidable competitor in Formula One.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Ocon’s career highlights include his victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and multiple podium finishes throughout his time with Alpine. His ability to consistently score points and compete at a high level has established him as a respected driver in the Formula One community.

Esteban Ocon Career Wins

As of now, Esteban Ocon has one race win in Formula One, achieved at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. He has also secured four podium finishes and has demonstrated his potential to compete for more victories in the future.

Current Formula One Series Highlights

In the current Formula One season, Ocon has shown promising performance with Haas, achieving a total of five points finishes. His first win story at the Hungarian Grand Prix remains a highlight of his career, and he continues to strive for further successes in the sport.

Previous Formula One Series Achievements

During his time with Alpine, Ocon secured multiple podiums and consistently finished in the points, showcasing his growth as a driver. His ability to outscore his teammate Fernando Alonso in 2022 further solidified his reputation in the sport.

Esteban Ocon Family

Family Background and Formula One Lineage

Esteban Ocon comes from a supportive family that made significant sacrifices to enable his racing career. His father, Laurent, played a crucial role in nurturing his passion for motorsports, while his mother, Sabrina, provided unwavering support.

Personal Life

Ocon is currently in a relationship with Flavy Barla, a model and social media influencer. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his racing career while balancing his personal relationships.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has seen Esteban Ocon adapting to his new role with Haas. After a rocky start, he achieved a fifth-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking a significant turnaround for the team. As the season progresses, Ocon aims to build on this momentum and secure more points finishes, contributing to Haas’s overall performance in the Constructors’ Championship. His experience and determination will be key as he navigates the challenges of the season ahead.