Esteban Ocon, currently racing for Haas, has expressed admiration for Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, reflecting on their competitive history and Verstappen’s remarkable achievements. Their long-standing rivalry dates back to their time in junior motorsport, setting the stage for their ongoing F1 careers.
Back in the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship, Ocon and Verstappen battled closely for victories and podium spots, with Ocon ultimately clinching the drivers‘ title by scoring 478 points compared to Verstappen’s 411, who finished third. This early rivalry highlighted their talent and hinted at their future roles in Formula 1.
Fast-forward to the 2025 Formula 1 season, and their paths have diverged significantly. Esteban Ocon, who debuted in F1 in 2016, has yet to join a top team or contend seriously for a championship. In contrast, Max Verstappen, who started a year earlier in 2015, has already secured four world titles, cementing his status as one of the sport’s best.
Reflecting on Verstappen’s accomplishments, Ocon recently shared his thoughts during an interview with Formule 1 Magazine, stating,
“Max has achieved what every driver dreams of and what I still want to achieve.”
Despite the differing trajectories, Ocon’s respect for Verstappen’s success is clear.
Ocon’s own Formula 1 career spans 172 races, yielding one Grand Prix win, four podium finishes, and a total of 473 points. Alongside his current stint at Haas, he has raced for Manor, Force India (later Aston Martin), and Alpine (previously Renault). Meanwhile, Verstappen’s record is more extensive, with 225 race starts, 66 wins, 119 podiums, and 45 pole positions. During the ongoing 2025 season, Verstappen holds third place in the drivers’ championship, having claimed three wins and seven podiums, accumulating 230 points so far.
In comparison, Ocon sits 13th in the current standings with 28 points, trailing behind Aston Martin teammates Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, who hold 11th and 12th positions respectively.
The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix: A Memorable Shared Podium
One of the most notable recent moments for Ocon and Verstappen occurred at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, where the two drivers stood together on the podium. Verstappen overcame a challenging start from 17th on the grid, while Ocon began impressively from 4th after an outstanding wet-weather qualifying session.
With wet track conditions persisting, Verstappen took full advantage, steadily advancing through the field and eventually passing Ocon for the lead on lap 43. Verstappen then pulled away to win the race by more than 19 seconds. Meanwhile, Ocon secured second place, giving Alpine a strong finish as teammate Pierre Gasly also joined the podium in third.
Since that event, Verstappen and Ocon have not shared the podium again, but the Brazilian Grand Prix remains a significant highlight in their ongoing careers.
Looking Ahead: Ocon’s Ambitions and Verstappen’s Legacy
As Esteban Ocon continues his journey in Formula 1, his admiration for Max Verstappen underscores his own aspirations to reach the heights of the sport. While Verstappen has set a high bar with multiple championships and dominant performances, Ocon remains focused on improving and achieving similar success in the future.
Their evolving rivalry and mutual respect not only add depth to the current F1 narrative but also inspire racing fans who follow the careers of both drivers closely. How Ocon’s path will unfold in the seasons ahead will be closely watched, especially as Verstappen pursues more records and titles with Red Bull.
