Esteban Ocon has publicly spoken about his feelings regarding Alpine’s recent difficulties in Formula 1, emphasizing that he takes no pleasure in witnessing the team he once drove for struggle this season. Despite parting ways after a difficult final year together, Ocon made it clear that his focus remains on his future, rather than on Alpine’s setbacks.

Ocon’s Journey with Alpine and Notable Career Milestones

Ocon’s relationship with Alpine, previously known as Renault, began in 2020 and was marked by a career highlight when he claimed victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. However, tension escalated in 2023, culminating in a dramatic collision with teammate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix. These challenges preceded Ocon’s confirmed move to Haas for the 2025 season, a transition announced midway through 2024 and signaling a new chapter in his racing career.

Current Alpine Struggles Contrast with Haas’ Improvement

This season, Alpine has faced inconsistencies on track, including a controversial mid-year switch between drivers Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto. The team currently finds itself at the bottom of the constructors’ rankings, a stark contrast to Haas, which has climbed to sixth place unexpectedly. Ocon, now committed to Haas, remains detached from negative feelings toward Alpine despite this competitive disparity.

Ocon Reflects on His Perspective Regarding Alpine’s Difficulties

Responding to questions about his attitude towards Alpine’s challenges, Ocon said,

“You never smile to see someone struggling. To me, it was very clear that I wanted to come here for a very long time.”

—Esteban Ocon, Formula 1 Driver

He expressed that the move to Haas represents a fresh start with new goals, contrasting with the differing ambitions that contributed to his departure from Alpine. Though acknowledging that Alpine has shown flashes of strong performance, Ocon remains focused on the opportunities ahead with his new team.

The Implications of Ocon’s Transition and Alpine’s Future Prospects

Ocon’s candid remarks highlight the complex nature of professional relationships in Formula 1 and reflect the personal decisions athletes make to pursue career growth. As he integrates into Haas, his dedication to overcoming challenges symbolizes the resilience necessary to succeed at the sport’s highest level. Alpine’s continuing struggles underline the competitive pressures teams face, while Ocon’s shift emphasizes the ongoing dynamic nature of driver–team alliances within Formula 1.