Why doesn’t Esteban Ocon live in tax haven Monaco like Max Verstappen?

Unlike many F1 drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Esteban Ocon does not reside in the Principality of Monaco.

Why doesn’t Esteban Ocon live in tax haven Monaco like Max Verstappen?

Esteban Ocon (via F1) and Max Verstappen (via Motorsport.com)

Formula 1 drivers are known for their extravagant lifestyles in and outside the paddock. F1 stars such as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris live in the city state of Monaco, a beautiful principality which hosts the iconic Monaco GP every year. Despite the city state being a popular destination for drivers, some like Esteban Ocon don’t live there.

Ocon lives in Geneva, Switzerland, which is not a tax haven unlike Monaco. While Monaco does not impose any personal income tax on its residents since 1869, Switzerland does have income tax which comprises of a federal tax as well as a cantonal tax which varies depending on which canton or region one lives in.

YouTube video

The canton Zug charges the lowest tax rate in the entire country at 22%, while Geneva, Esteban Ocon‘s residence, imposes a 45%. However, as per Kym Illman, this figure is still cheaper than what Ocon would have to pay if he lived in his home country, France.

So why does Esteban Ocon not live in Monaco? The fact is that Ocon can indeed move to the city state, albeit he would not receive a tax-free status. As per the French-Monegasque bilateral convention of 1963, French citizens living in Monaco will have to pay an income tax based on French tax slabs, as such Ocon would not enjoy the tax haven status of the principality that his colleagues take advantage of.

Esteban Ocon hails strong Chinese GP outing for Haas

The French driver moved from Alpine to Haas for the 2025 season and is partnered by rookie Oliver Bearman. Ocon’s journey with the American team was off to a disappointing start at the season opener in Australia, after the two Haas cars finished last in 13th and 14th places respectively.

Esteban Ocon
Esteban Ocon (via Forbes)

However, Haas bounced back at the last race in China. While Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman did not make a mark during qualifying with neither driver making it into the top 10, the race was far better. Ocon pulled off an impressive drive to clinch fifth place after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified. On the other hand, Bearman was classified tenth.

Esteban Ocon applauded Haas’ efforts after this surprising turn around of events. He claimed that the American team worked around the clock to extract more performance out of the car after the Melbourne race. Moreover, Ocon added that as his team boss Ayao Komatsu had stated, the Haas crew didn’t sleep or eat much ahead of the race.

Honestly a great turnaround from the team. They have done an amazing job in a couple of days to try and get some more performance out of the car. As Ayao said, we didn’t sleep much and eat much

Esteban Ocon told F1

Can Esteban Ocon fight for points regularly in 2025?

Haas was never going to be an easy team to race for in Formula 1. The American team remains stuck in the midfield despite showing progress last year courtesy of Nico Hulkenberg. Though, even Esteban Ocon wouldn’t have expected the first race to be a disaster. Nevertheless, things seem to be back on track for Gene Haas‘ squad.

Esteban Ocon Chinese GP
Esteban Ocon Chinese GP (via F1)

Haas remains a strong contender against the likes of the Sauber-run Stake F1 team or even Alpine. However, in this tighTly-packed bunch, even a small mistake could cost a team a handful of points. Esteban Ocon will need to ensure that he does not make any errors particularly when he has a good chance of getting a strong result.

Currently, it might be too early to tell whether Haas can really score points regularly this season. Nevertheless, Ocon and his squad would be in a positive mood after the impressive points haul in Shanghai. Now, the American team must focus on continuing this approach and bagging more points in the next race in Japan.