Esteban Ocon has candidly discussed the challenges and disappointments of his Formula 1 journey, reflecting on how his efforts and personal sacrifices have yet to translate into lasting success. The Haas driver shared comparisons with peers and revealed the emotional drivers that keep him fighting as his F1 career takes unpredictable turns.
A Difficult Journey Marked by Sacrifice
Coming from modest beginnings, Esteban Ocon relied on significant support from his family, with his parents going so far as to sell their garage and family home to fund his pursuit of motorsport. This commitment enabled the French driver to reach the ranks of Formula 1 and even experience the rare triumph of a Grand Prix victory, an achievement most drivers only dream about. However, that win with Alpine proved to be a lone highlight, as Ocon found himself predominantly racing in the midfield or towards the back, rather than consistently challenging at the front.
Comparisons with Lando Norris Highlight Frustration
In a recent conversation with RN365, Ocon drew attention to the divergent paths he and Lando Norris have taken. Just two seasons ago, Ocon was on equal footing with Norris, battling for positions during the closing laps of races in Jeddah and Canada in 2023. Now, Norris stands as the 2025 Formula 1 world champion, featuring on the podium 18 times out of 24 races and lapping Ocon regularly.
“In 2023, I was still battling with Lando on the final laps in Jeddah and Canada, and in another race that season, we were literally side by side in the battle for sixth place,”
Ocon explained.
“That was only two years ago, and now he’s suddenly fighting for the title, and I haven’t seen him for a whole year. He’s lapped me every race, that’s how bizarre it is when you talk about differences.”
— Esteban Ocon, RN365 Interview
Ocon’s shift to Haas for 2025 marked a new chapter, offering a relative improvement after leaving Alpine, which has become the slowest team on the grid. Despite this, Ocon found himself outperformed by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman, who earned three more championship points and finished two spots above Ocon (P13 versus P15). The disappointment of being overshadowed, even within his own team, has added to Ocon’s frustration.
Motivation Drawn from Family Obligations and Personal Resolve
Even as he grapples with watching drivers like Norris achieve their F1 dreams, Ocon remains driven by a sense of responsibility to his family and a personal desire not to let unfulfilled potential define his career. He reflected on his hope of one day reaching the top, fueled by not wanting to let down his parents or his future children by leaving F1 with regrets.
“But I believe it will happen one day, considering how hard I’m working for it. If I retire in a few years, I don’t want to have to tell my children that it might have been possible if I’d done something different. That would be really awful, and I don’t want to have to live with that. Out of respect for my parents and others around me, I can’t do that either. I have to give one hundred percent in every race.”
— Esteban Ocon, RN365 Interview
Uncertainty About the Future, But No Plans to Quit
Although Ocon is aware of the relentless competition and the unpredictability that comes with technical changes in Formula 1, he has no plans to step away soon. Looking ahead to the new technical era in 2026, he is prepared for the physical demands of a prolonged racing career, even as he considers its toll in the long run.
“That’s not part of my plan at all. I want to keep fighting, that’s what I want. I want to do well. We’ll get a lot of answers next year. Maybe it works, maybe not. But I’ll give it everything I’ve got. I’m only 30 next year, so realistically, I can keep going for another ten years! That’s not ideal for your body, but I’ll think about that when I’m 70 and everything hurts!”
— Esteban Ocon, RN365 Interview
The fate of Haas in the coming seasons is tightly linked to the performance of its Ferrari-supplied power units and whether the team can climb the competitive order. The upcoming 2026 regulations could shuffle the grid, but few expect Haas to emerge as a front-runner. For now, Esteban Ocon’s F1 career struggles continue, but his determination to repay his parents and avoid a legacy of regret remains a powerful motivator, setting an example of perseverance despite repeated adversity.
