Esteban Ocon has signed a new three-year contract to stay with Alpine until the end of the 2024 F1 season.
Ocon signed for Alpine in 2020 where he went on to finish 12th overall in the standings after delivering his maiden F1 podium at the Sakhir Grand Prix, having spent 2019 as Mercedes Reserve Driver after being dropped by Racing Point of who he raced for between 2017-18 when formerly named Force India.
Speaking on his delight at signing a new contract, Ocon admitted that he is ‘delighted’ to remain with Alpine for three more seasons and described the reality of securing his F1 future as ‘a fantastic feeling’ until end of 2024.
Ocon also spoke his development since joining Alpine last season, commenting: “We’ve been progressing well together since I joined the team and I aim to continue that journey going forward.”
2022 though will see a wave of technical changes arrive in F1 which excites Ocon who is keen to achieve further success, adding: “I’m sure we can hit our targets by working hard together and continuing the story.
“I often think back to the Sakhir Grand Prix last year with the podium, and it motivates me to create more special memories like that.”
This new deal means that Ocon will have completed eight seasons in F1 once his new contract runs out in 2024, having started out at Marussia in 2016 as a replacement driver for Rio Haryanto, who was dropped due to financial issues mid-season.
Alpine CEO, Laurent Rossi has also spoken on the decision to retain Ocon, saying: “Since returning to the team in 2020, Esteban has grown in confidence and stature to deliver consistently good results and help develop the car with the team.”
Rossi also praised the 24 year-old for his ‘maturity and ability’ in F1 and believes that the Frenchman is ‘on a positive trajectory’ as the team prepares for next season’s technical regulatory revamp,
Ocon therefore has been viewed by Rossi as ‘a strong asset’ for Alpine moving forwards with ‘every confidence’ that he can help to drive Alpine forward in the team’s bid to fulfil their long-term ambitions.
This announcement also has implications for Mercedes because Ocon’s decision to remain with Alpine now paves the way for George Russell to potentially make a move from Williams to the Silver Arrows next season, with Valtteri Bottas heading in the opposite direction back to Grove.
Ocon and Alpine meanwhile are gearing up for their home race as F1 head to France this weekend.
Leave a Reply