Ocon: No joy in seeing Alpine struggle despite bitter split

Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon has firmly dismissed any suggestion that Alpine’s struggles bring him personal satisfaction, despite his contentious departure from the Enstone squad at the end of 2024.

Ocon’s relationship with Alpine began on a high when he joined the Renault-backed team in 2020, culminating in his maiden Grand Prix win at the 2021 Hungarian GP — a victory he still cherishes. His winning car from that race now sits in his home, a lasting reminder of better days with the French outfit.

However, tensions grew last season, particularly after a high-profile collision with then-team-mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco, which fueled speculation about a split at the end of the season.

By July 2024, it was confirmed that Ocon would be joining Haas for 2025. In a further sign of the breakdown between driver and team, Ocon was sidelined by Alpine for F1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, taking part in the post-season test with Haas.

This year, Alpine has faced significant challenges, languishing at the bottom of the constructors’ championship.

The team made headlines with an early season driver swap, replacing Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto after just six races.

Meanwhile, Haas has enjoyed a stronger campaign and currently sits sixth in the standings.

No Comfort Seeing Alpine Decline

Despite this contrast, Ocon made it clear that he takes no pleasure in Alpine’s difficulties while emphasizing his long-held desire to join Haas.

“You never smile to see someone struggling,” he said in Montreal, quoted by RacingNews365. “To me, it was very clear that I wanted to come here for a very long time.

“I took my decision, it was clear that we were not aiming for the same things with the team, and that I needed a new challenge, because we were not going to go forward together. We didn't agree on so many things.”

Ocon acknowledged Alpine’s inconsistent performance, noting their competitive pace at certain tracks but stressing the unpredictable nature of the sport.

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“Yeah, they've been quick in Bahrain and some of the tracks. They are going to be working on themselves as well,” he said.

“In one race, you can recover the deficit that you have. So even though they are last now, it doesn't mean that this is where they will finish.

Respect for the Past, Focus on the Future

While focused on his current role with Haas, Ocon expressed a balanced perspective on his time with Alpine.

“So, we need to keep an eye on everyone and do the best we can on our side. But yeah, I definitely feel good here.

“As I said, Alpine will always remain a special place in my heart, having the winning car at home and what we've achieved together, but for sure, we will erase the late part of my career there.”

For Ocon, the chapter at Alpine may be over – and perhaps best left closed – but there's no trace of gloating as he seeks new success with Haas in the heart of the 2025 season.

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