Back in June, Esteban Ocon announced that he would part ways with the Enstone-based team, and it was eventually confirmed at Spa he would be joining Haas from 2025 onwards as Pit Debrief revealed earlier that month.
It has not been a fun season for the Frenchman after only scoring five points so far, but he is determined to finish his Alpine career on high since the team has a special place in Ocon’s heart.
He scored his first podium in 2020 at the Sakhir GP when they were under the Renault name, Ocon’s first season with them. The team was renamed Alpine in 2021, and the now 28-year-old took a memorable victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix that year.
“Well, it hasn’t been a fun season for anyone at the team. Everyone is trying their best in here and we are working hard to try and maximise what we can.
“I would love to finish that chapter on a high. It’s not going the way I wanted to finish it, that’s very clear.
“But no, I’m focussing to try and do the best I can for this brand that has been very special to me for many years.
“And yeah, I will for sure stay focused until the end of the year.”
As well as that, Ocon has been keeping a close eye on his future team’s progress and is extremely happy with the progression they are making.
With six rounds remaining, Haas trail RB by just three points in the battle for P6 in the Constructors’ Championship.
“But yeah, of course, I’m keeping a look at what Haas is doing and they are doing a very good job.
“I’m happy with the progress they are doing and proud to see their trajectory.”
Ocon discussed how things have been doing with executive director Flavio Briatore and team principal Oliver Oakes. The former racing driver was announced as Alpine team principal at the end of July as he replaced Bruno Famin.
“Yeah, it’s obviously very new. You know, things take time to be in place. It’s good to have a straightforward chat with Flavio and Oli and, yeah, where you’re going.”
With his departure to Haas imminent, Ocon states that it has been business as usual at Alpine as he continues to look to help the team over the remainder of 2024 and heading into next year as they look to regain some credibility on track.
“We are very much in talks constantly with Oli, there’s constantly meetings and things I have to talk with him.
“You know, even short term, there’s so many things that, we need to fix and improve that, Flavio and Oli, they are aware.
“We work like if I was going to be here next year. That’s the best way, obviously, to be doing things.
“But yeah, I don’t think that’s going to change until the end.”
