Cockpit gone (2025 and in the first free practice session), hatred on social media, differences with teammates, grid penalty for the Canadian GP. Esteban Ocon is currently going through a difficult time in Formula 1. Not according to him: Everything is fine, no problems with Pierre Gasly, optimistic view of the future.
Esteban Ocon: Reconciliation talks with Bruno Famin and Pierre Gasly
“There were no embarrassing moments,” says Esteban Ocon, explaining his time after the Monaco accident and stressing once again that his departure from Alpine had nothing to do with the incidents. “This big team doesn’t make decisions after just one race.”
A reconciliation meeting took place between Monaco and Montreal in the factory. With Bruno Famin, who was still on TV in Monte Carlo angrily threatened consequences. “Our relationship has not changed. Everything has been discussed. We are putting this behind us,” explains 27-year-old Ocon.
The fact that the Frenchman has to hand over his cockpit to rookie Jack Doohan in the first free practice session is by no means one of the consequences mentioned. “I’ve read that a lot in the media, but it’s not true at all,” explains Ocon. He will continue to receive all upgrades to the car as planned.
There were no problems with Pierre Gasly either, on or off the track. “We discussed things. Everything is OK,” emphasises the 2021 winner of Hungary. “There is no drama, as you think!” Postscript: “As a driver, I have always followed the team’s instructions. That will not change.”
“The team instructions were pretty clear in Monaco. Unfortunately, something else happened on the track,” says the person in question. He has no bad feelings for the remaining 16 races together. “I’m pretty confident that we won’t have any problems because of this in the future.”
Pierre Gasly on Alpine teammates: Wasn’t always easy
When Pierre Gasly is asked in the press conference about his opinion of his departing teammate, he has to search for words for a (longer) moment. “I take time to think. I know how you perceive every single word I say,” he explains.
Result: “Esteban and I have a long history. Over the last year and a half we have managed to work together very professionally,” said Gasly. “It wasn’t always easy. That’s what happens when you have two very competitive drivers.” Postscript: “I’ll leave it at that!”
After five years, Esteban Ocon’s time at Alpine is coming to an end. It is still unclear where he will end up in 2025. “I have nothing to announce. When the time is right, I will announce my future plans,” said the Frenchman in Montreal.
“In Formula 1, you never know what the future holds,” Ocon philosophizes. In addition to Alpine, he has already held discussions with several other teams. “My goal is clear: to be in Formula 1.” Teammate Pierre Gasly also does not have a contract for 2025, but has so far remained just as cryptic about his future.
It is unclear whether Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly will still be racing in the premier class in 2026. If so, they will be in these Formula 1 cars. Christian explains everything about the new regulations of the next F1 era in this video.