Esteban Ocon at Alpine (2020–2024)

Esteban Ocon's tenure with Alpine from 2020 to 2024 stands as a significant chapter in his career, marked by a singular, memorable victory and a consistent, if sometimes challenging, presence within a works team striving for midfield prominence.

How it began

Ocon joined the Enstone-based outfit, then rebranded as Renault, for the 2020 season, returning to a full-time F1 seat after a year as Mercedes' reserve driver. This move represented a crucial opportunity for the young Frenchman to establish himself as a consistent performer. His initial season, alongside Daniel Ricciardo, saw him secure his first career podium at the Sakhir Grand Prix, hinting at the potential that the team, soon to be rebranded as Alpine, hoped to harness. The transition to Alpine in 2021 brought with it a new identity and the high-profile return of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso at Alpine (2021–2022), setting the stage for an intriguing intra-team dynamic.

The partnership's character

The partnership between Ocon and Alpine was characterized by a blend of raw talent, occasional flashes of brilliance, and an underlying struggle for consistent performance from the car. While Ocon demonstrated his capability to seize opportunities, as evidenced by his 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix win, the A521, A522, A523, and A524 chassis often proved inconsistent. Ocon's driving style, known for its precision, sometimes clashed with the car's characteristics, particularly as the team navigated significant regulatory changes, a constant challenge in Formula One. The dynamic with teammates, first Alonso and then Pierre Gasly, often became a focal point, with both drivers pushing the limits, sometimes to the team's detriment. The team's ambition to climb the constructor standings, as outlined by the Formula 1 — official site, placed significant pressure on both drivers to deliver.

Key chapter in the seasons

Ocon's 2021 season was undoubtedly the highlight, culminating in his maiden F1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This race, a chaotic affair, saw Ocon expertly manage conditions and hold off Sebastian Vettel for a truly unexpected win, marking Alpine's only triumph in this period. He finished the season with 74 points and an 11th place in the championship. The 2022 season, alongside Alonso, saw Ocon achieve his best championship position with Alpine, finishing 8th with 89 points, often outscoring his more experienced teammate. This period was also notable for the intense rivalry between the two drivers, a dynamic that occasionally mirrored the famous season. The 2023 season brought a new challenge with Pierre Gasly as his teammate, and while Ocon secured another podium at the Monaco Grand Prix, the car's performance dipped, placing him 12th with 56 points. The 2024 season proved particularly challenging, with the team struggling for pace and Ocon's departure announced mid-season, concluding his 89 races with the team with 1 win and 3 podiums in total. The detailed race results and standings can be reviewed through .