“I hope to get to Fernando Alonso’s level,” Esteban Ocon muses about his former Alpine teammate, denies ever having a row with the Spaniard
Esteban Ocon confesses he has massive respect for Fernando Alonso.
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Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso (Images via F1)
Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso were together at Alpine F1 team for two years (2021-2022). Though they had a good relationship in the first season, things fell apart in the second year. Their inter-team rivalry was intense, especially in the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Alonso called out Ocon for a collision. The then Alpine teammates were caught up in a drama.
It put a strain on their relationship, and they were not exactly the best of friends when Alonso left the team to join Aston Martin for the 2023 season. Despite the tussle between them, the Frenchman is happy for his former teammate, who secured five podium finishes from the first seven rounds of this season. Esteban Ocon praised Alonso and explained that the press likes to exaggerate everything, like their rivalry.
Esteban Ocon clarified that everything is going well between them. He also stated that he will always have respect for Alonso. The 26-year-old said, “Fernando is having a fantastic season, respect. I take my hat off. He’s doing incredibly well, he makes me happy, and I hope to get to that level soon.” With this statement, it is safe to say that the French driver looks up to Alonso and hopes to perform well like him.
Esteban Ocon claims Fernando Alonso is one of the best drivers
Ocon added, “I have no doubt that he continues to be at his best level. I have competed with him in recent years and he shows everyone that he is one of the best ever.” The Alpine driver had nothing but praise for his former teammate, Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard was unhappy with Alpine’s reliability and felt they were moving in different directions regarding his contract negotiations with the team. Hence, he moved to Aston Martin.
Ocon added that not much has changed for him since the double-world champion’s departure. He has a new teammate, Pierre Gasly, who replaced Alonso for the 2023 season. After the first seven rounds, it is safe to say that the new Alpine teammates are getting along well. Ocon also believes he is doing the same job as when Alonso was there.
Esteban Ocon gave Alpine their best finish at the Monaco Grand Prix by securing third place. He shared the podium with his former teammate Alonso, and Red Bull driver, race winner, and championship leader Max Verstappen.
Ocon was thrilled with the result and credited his team for doing a good job and working hard. The French driver also admitted that he had confidence from the first practice session, which helped him achieve a solid finish. As it stands, things are looking up for Ocon and the Alpine F1 team.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)