Esteban Ocon at Alpine (2020–2024)

Esteban Ocon's five-season tenure with the Enstone-based outfit, beginning under its Renault F1 Team guise in 2020 and continuing through its rebrand to Alpine (2021–2024), was a defining chapter marked by a singular, unexpected victory and a consistent, often demanding, role as a works driver.

How it began

Ocon joined the team in 2020, returning to a full-time F1 seat after a year as Mercedes' reserve driver. His initial season with Renault saw him partner Daniel Ricciardo, a formidable benchmark. The transition was a period of adaptation, but Ocon quickly demonstrated his pace and racecraft. This initial year laid the groundwork for what would become a longer-term commitment, as the team prepared for its significant rebrand to Alpine F1 Team for the 2021 season, signaling renewed factory backing and ambition.

The partnership's character

The Ocon-Alpine partnership was characterized by a blend of raw talent, resilience, and the inherent challenges of a works team striving to break into the sport's top tier. Ocon often found himself in direct competition with high-profile teammates, first with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso at Alpine (2021–2022) and later with fellow Frenchman Pierre Gasly. This dynamic frequently pushed both drivers and the team's internal structures, sometimes leading to intense on-track battles. Ocon consistently showcased a strong defensive driving style, adept at holding position and maximizing opportunities in the midfield. While the Alpine chassis often presented a complex package, Ocon's ability to extract performance, particularly in qualifying, was a recurring theme throughout his stint.

Key chapter in the seasons

The undeniable highlight of this era was Ocon's victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. In a chaotic race marked by a first-lap pile-up and strategic gambles, Ocon expertly managed his tires and track position, fending off Sebastian Vettel to secure his, and Alpine's, first-ever Formula 1 win. This triumph stood as a testament to his composure under pressure and the team's readiness to capitalize when opportunities arose. Beyond Hungary, Ocon contributed significantly to Alpine's constructors' championship efforts, including a crucial podium finish at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. His consistent points scoring in 2022 was instrumental in Alpine securing fourth place in the constructors' standings, a significant achievement for the team. However, the 2024 season proved more challenging, with the A524 car struggling for pace and a series of on-track incidents, particularly with teammate Gasly, drawing scrutiny. Much like the intense driver dynamics seen with , Ocon's final year with Alpine highlighted the pressures of a competitive internal battle within a team facing performance struggles.