Ocon: Alpine F1’s Season Wasn’t as Negative as Some Think

Esteban Ocon on the Season of Alpine F1: “Not So Negative After All”

Esteban Ocon refuses to draw too negative a conclusion about the Alpine F1 season.

Despite finishing 4th in the championship in 2022, the French team aimed to close in on the top 3 in terms of points earned, but found themselves significantly outperformed by McLaren and Aston Martin F1.

Navigating through the middle of the pack as often, it appears that progress has not been quite enough on the Enstone side.

“It’s not as negative a season as people might think,” the Frenchman insists.

“I think there have been some very good things, great opportunities that we have seized, but overall consistency has been lacking. We have had too many retirements. It has cost us dearly. I think I had nearly nine retirements in total, probably more than any other driver.”

“If you take away the issue we had with the gearbox in Singapore, the contact with Oscar in Austin, I could have been in the top 10 of the drivers’ championship, so that’s where it really was a missed opportunity.”

Ocon has praised the upcoming financial injection to improve the team’s facilities and resources. To obtain this additional momentum, new investors have been found in recent months, including prominent actors and athletes.

“Unfortunately, in terms of car upgrades, we are all subject to the budget cap, so it should be the same. The impact of these investments will be seen elsewhere.”

“But it’s great to see so many big names, prominent personalities accompanying our journey. These people have been so successful in what they do, and they certainly help us in many different areas. Everyone has a huge smile, and it gives a lot of confidence in the garage to push and make them proud of what we are doing. It’s really great to work with such personalities and agents.”

Ocon has chosen to return to training quite quickly this winter, even before the Christmas holidays.

“There will be work on the simulator, tests are ongoing. I will be able to spend a few days with my family, whom I haven’t seen in a while. And from December 17th, I will start training again. Until Christmas. Almost a week. Then from January 2nd until the first test, I will fully resume training. I will do it as I did in 2022, that is to say no life, only racing.”

“We did a lot of things and different activations off the track this year. That will change next year. Back to ‘war mode’ to be fully focused on the racing side.”

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