Esteban Ocon, the French Formula 1 driver, has shared his honest feelings about his exit from Alpine and the team’s struggles in the 2024 season. After a challenging end to his time with Alpine, Ocon revealed that despite the tension and drama surrounding his departure, he does not enjoy seeing his former team falter in the championship.
Having secured a memorable win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with Alpine, Ocon’s connection to the team remains significant. His emotions are mixed as he watches Alpine face difficulties while he embarks on a new chapter in his career.
Transitioning to Haas and Midfield Success
For the 2025 season, Ocon made the move to Haas, where he has quickly found stability and better results in the highly competitive midfield pack. Compared to Alpine’s current position at the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, Ocon has doubled the points tally of his former team. His departure followed escalating tensions with teammate Pierre Gasly, especially after a notable collision during the Monaco Grand Prix, which cast a shadow over Alpine’s internal dynamics.
Despite experiencing success with Haas, Ocon remains optimistic about Alpine’s ability to improve. He recognizes that the team’s issues, including leadership changes and driver lineup adjustments, have undermined their performance but believes their competitive potential is far from exhausted.
Alpine’s Potential for a Mid-Season Recovery
Ocon points to Alpine’s past achievements as evidence that the team can stage a resurgence. Last season’s double-podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which elevated Alpine from ninth to eighth in the Constructors’ standings, stands out as a highlight of their capability. He maintains that Alpine can reclaim some of their lost ground as the season progresses.
Understanding the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, Ocon follows Alpine’s results closely, aware that fortunes can quickly shift in the sport. Although his tenure with Alpine ended under difficult circumstances, he remains thankful for the positive memories and milestones they reached together, acknowledging the team’s important place in his career.
Looking Ahead: Ocon and Alpine in the 2025 Season
As the F1 calendar advances, attention will remain on both Esteban Ocon and Alpine to see how they navigate their respective challenges. Ocon’s renewed form at Haas signals a promising phase for the driver, while Alpine’s potential comeback adds intrigue to the midfield battle. Their intertwined stories highlight the shifting dynamics within Formula 1’s competitive landscape.
