“I was overworked,” Esteban Ocon hints that Fernando Alonso contributed significantly less towards Alpine’s development in 2022

Esteban Ocon has boldly accredited himself with the responsibility of 98% of Alpine’s development last season, thus implying Fernando Alonso’s minimal involvement. The French outfit managed to get the better of main rivals McLaren and secured the top midfield spot of 4^th in the Constructor’s standings.

Alpine showed strong improvements throughout the 2022 season. Despite a handful of incidents on track, Ocon bettered Fernando Alonso in their final year as teammates. Ocon has attributed the team’s success to his hands-on contribution, stating, “Honestly, the work was 98% on my back and 2% on his. I was overworked. I was doing all the development in the simulator, the marketing trips, and I am at the factory at least one or two days a week.” He went on to refer to his visit to the aerodynamic department as well as checking out future designs.

The duo worked in harmony in 2021, however, tensions sparked in 2022 after team principal Otmar Szafnauer reprimanded them following an incident at the Brazil GP. The pair collided during the sprint leading to Alonso publicly criticizing his counterpart to the press. Ocon went on to highlight the redundancy of his remarks and vocalized his respect for Alonso nonetheless. He also stated that it was “good that he’s going to Aston Martin and that we are going our separate ways.”

Related: Sebastian Vettel reveals his true feelings on watching Fernando Alonso thrive in Aston Martin

Esteban Ocon is enduring a diabolical start to 2023

The initial phase of the 2023 season hasn’t been kind to the Frenchman. Ocon has struggled to establish himself as a strong competitor this season thus far. Of the three races, he has only completed one in Jeddah, securing a paltry P8. This is a shock as many expected much more from Alpine after they finished ‘best of the rest’ in 2022. Ocon hasn’t achieved a podium since his win at Budapest in 2021 and has endured a dry spell. His former teammate Fernando Alonso chose to switch to Aston Martin, which had a lackluster 2022.

The move Alonso made to Aston Martin puzzled the paddock and fans alike, with many struggling to justify the Spaniard’s choice despite Alpine producing strong results. His gamble has paid off, however, with his new British team has emerged as a strong competitor for the top 3. The car is superior to Alpines in every aspect.

Unlike Esteban Ocon’s bad luck and mediocre machinery, Fernando Alonso has enjoyed a stellar start to 2023. He has been on the podium in all 3 races and established himself as a potential competitor for the title. Ocon, on the other hand, was penalized 3 times in Bahrain and eventually retired from the race. At Melbourne, the Frenchman collided with his new teammate Pierre Gasly, resulting in retirement.

The contrast between Ocon’s nightmare and Alonso’s dream start is evident. The Spaniard may have had minimal involvement in Alpine’s development in 2022, but he enjoyed success in 2023 and bears no regrets whatsoever. It is yet to be seen whether Alpine can bounce back and retaliate in the following races, with both Ocon and Gasly needing to pull their weight in order for it to be considered a possibility.

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