Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon made a high-profile appearance at the Cannes Film Festival alongside his girlfriend, Flavy Barla, captivating attendees with their elegant designer attire. This Esteban Ocon Cannes Film Festival appearance with girlfriend marks a rare public moment amid his intense 2025 Formula 1 season.
Ocon transitioned to the Haas F1 team this year after several seasons with Alpine. He has gathered 14 points across the first seven Grands Prix, including a notable fifth-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix scheduled for May 25, Ocon paused his demanding race calendar to attend the Cannes Film Festival event.
At Cannes, the couple impressed photographers and fans on the red carpet. Ocon wore a classic black tuxedo, while Flavy Barla stood out in a shimmering dress accented with pearl details. Their coordinated looks drew positive reactions on social media, where they shared images that received widespread admiration.
Flavy Barla has been Ocon’s partner for several years. She is a French medical student with a strong presence on social media, boasting 233,000 followers on Instagram. Barla’s background includes participation in beauty contests such as the 2023 Miss France competition, adding another layer to her public profile.
Despite the glamour outside the track, Ocon’s racing season has been a turbulent experience. His strong performance in China was followed by disappointment at the Imola Grand Prix, where a mechanical problem forced an early retirement. Currently, Ocon ranks ninth in the drivers’ championship, while his teammate, British rookie Oliver Bearman, sits sixteenth with six points.
Mechanical Issues Cut Short Ocon’s Imola Race
Ocon’s race at Imola ended after just 29 laps due to an air consumption problem that forced him off the track. His crew had started with an aggressive strategy by switching to hard tires on the first lap, aiming for a competitive edge. Unfortunately, unexpected tire degradation hampered his progress, prompting an early exit.
Reflecting on the race during his post-event media interaction, Ocon said,
“We basically boxed [early] to try something different, and we were ahead of quite a lot of cars at that point. Unfortunately, the [tire] degradation was much higher for me, which was quite unexpected, so this is something we need to understand. It wasn’t going to be a great race, to be fair. Plenty for us to review from this weekend, and hopefully we can come back stronger in the next one.”
The mechanical failure at Imola was a setback for both Ocon and his team, which is striving to improve its standing in the competitive 2025 season.
Bearman Struggles with Pit Stop Problems in Imola
Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman faced his own challenges at Imola, finishing seventeenth. The young British driver experienced a poorly executed pit stop where his wheels were not fitted tightly, causing a slow stop and impacting his overall pace.
Bearman’s difficulties underscore the technical challenges Haas F1 is encountering this season, as the team seeks to find consistency and build momentum.
This combined off-track appearance alongside Flavy Barla and racing challenges highlight the complex balance Ocon faces during a demanding year. As the Monaco Grand Prix approaches, both Ocon and Haas will be looking to regroup and improve their performance in upcoming races, while moments like Cannes offer brief respite and a chance to connect with fans.
