French Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has openly criticized his former team Alpine after confirming his transfer to Haas for the 2025 season. Having spent five turbulent years with Alpine, Ocon described the team atmosphere as toxic, expressing frustration especially after being unexpectedly replaced by Jack Doohan for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the 2024 season.
Ocon Highlights the Importance of Transparency and Accountability
Ocon contrasted his new experience with Haas to his time at Alpine, underscoring how open communication plays a vital role in team performance. He emphasized the negative effects of avoiding difficult conversations about mistakes, a practice he encountered at Alpine. He stated,
“Compared to my previous experience, it’s a healthy environment.”
He further clarified the significance of addressing errors:
“If we don’t do something right, we talk about it and hope not to do it again.”
He condemned the culture of silence on problems he observed previously, adding,
“If you don’t talk about it — which is what I’ve experienced before — then you [are] going to do it again. That’s the main thing.”
Renewed Motivation After Joining Haas
Since joining Haas, Ocon has found a more energized and motivated environment, which he sees as unusual given his prior experiences in Formula 1. He pointed out that not all individuals in the sport demonstrate the same level of commitment. He remarked,
“It can sound crazy, but I’ve seen some people not motivated in the past, even working in the Formula 1 paddock.”
Ocon described the challenge of facing colleagues who lack enthusiasm, sharing,
“When you turn up and you see somebody looking at his check-in on Monday, it’s quite tough. And I’ve seen that in the past.”
Current Performance and Future Prospects at Haas
Ocon is currently a key contributor to Haas’ standing in the constructors’ championship, with the team placed ninth and him accounting for 27 out of their 35 points. Despite the team’s modest ranking, Ocon remains optimistic about their potential for improvement. He affirmed,
“The desire to improve remains high.”
His positive outlook reflects the renewed spirit he has found within Haas, contrasting sharply with his previous experience at Alpine.
Upcoming Challenges as Ocon Prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix
As the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort approaches, attention turns to whether Ocon can leverage the fresh motivation from his new team to elevate Haas’ performance. His candid remarks about Alpine’s internal struggles cast new light on the dynamics within Formula 1 teams, sparking curiosity about how this shift will influence his future races and the broader competitive landscape.
