Ocon 'more relaxed' under Alpine triarchy management

Esteban Ocon believes the management structure implemented by Alpine at the start of 2022 has made him a "more relaxed" driver while it has also resulted in "positive pressure" for the Enstone squad.

At the end of 2001, Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi reformed the team's leadership which was split between executive director Marcin Budkowski and racing director Davide Brivio.

Rossi himself, operating directly under the supervision of Renault Group chief Luca di Meo, became more involved in the team's day-to-day running while ousted Aston Martin team boss Otmar Szafnauer was named as the outfit's team principle.

The changes provided Alpine with a simpler management structure that has positively transformed the team's working environment according to Ocon, who spent two years racing under Szafnauer's guidance at Force India.

"I went to Enstone for the first time in 2010, so 12 years ago, and it's crazy, I've seen a lot of change," Ocon told Motorsport.com.

"We are obviously settled for a long time, which feels great. We have great leadership with Otmar, with Laurent, with Luca. I think it's a fantastic team.

• Read also: Ocon 'putting F1 success ahead of personal life'

"They are giving us positive pressure. It's not the bad pressure, you need to perform otherwise it would be over. It's completely different. It's the passion of racing, of motorsport.

"Since Laurent, Luca and Otmar have joined, I feel definitely more relaxed and I feel good. That's why I should be super calm."

Alpine enjoyed a solid 2022 campaign, improving its position in the pecking order from fifth to fourth relative to 2021, and the Enstone squad ambitions to continue its forward march in 2023.

On a personal level, Ocon, who is contracted to Alpine until the end of 2024, is keeping his head down but the Frenchman is determined to play his part in his team's quest to become a title contender in F1.

"We are not there yet, that's why I say to keep our feet on the ground, keep working, see where that is going to get us too," said Ocon.

"But it is my aim, yeah, it is what I believe I can do. And I'm counting on the work that I'm putting in. Every week, I'm in the factory, working hard.

"One thing that I don't want to happen is that when I finish my career, I don't want any regrets and say maybe if I did do that, that could have brought me to a higher place.

"That's not something I want. It's all down to me."

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