The Alpine F1 Team has today confirmed Esteban Ocon will continue with the team beyond the 2021 F1 season as part of a new three-year agreement.
Having already raced in Formula 1 for two years, the 24-year-old joined the team ahead of the 2020 season. During his time as a Lotus Junior Driver and, later, as Renault's Reserve Driver during the 2016 Formula 1 season, Esteban was already well-known within the Enstone-Viry family.
Midway through the 2016 season, he debuted in Formula 1 with Manor before moving to Force India for 2017 and 2018. Ocon has made 73 Grand Prix appearances, scoring 210 points along the way.
In the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, Ocon recorded his best result to date in Formula 1 after claiming a sensational second place; his first podium in the sport.
In 2021, he maintained his strong form with four consecutive points finishes between Imola and Monaco, and a string of impressive one-lap performances in qualifying, especially in Portugal and Spain.
The team's decision to extend Ocon's contract demonstrates its belief in the Frenchman as a star of the sport and its commitment to its long-term goal of winning World Championships.
The Alpine F1 Team is now focused on its progress with Ocon and teammate Fernando Alonso this season and preparing for the exciting challenge of the 2022 regulations.
Laurent Rossi, CEO, Alpine Cars: “We are very proud to retain Esteban as part of the Alpine family. Since returning to the team in 2020, Esteban has grown in confidence and stature to deliver consistently good results and help develop the car with the team. Despite his young age, he is very experienced in Formula 1 and he’s on a positive trajectory in both his maturity and ability behind the wheel. He is a strong asset for us now, and also going forward as we meet the challenge of the new regulations. We have every confidence in Esteban to help drive the team and the brand to the next level and meet its long-term objectives. Esteban is an asset for us beyond F1 as he is deeply involved in the Alpine global project. Thanks to his personality and values, Esteban is naturally a perfect ambassador of Alpine. For now, we look forward to continuing the 2021 campaign at our home Grand Prix in France and doing the best possible job at every remaining race weekend.”
Esteban Ocon, Alpine F1 Team Race Driver: “I’m delighted to continue with the team beyond this year and it’s a fantastic feeling to secure my future with Alpine. We’ve been progressing well together since I joined the team and I aim to continue that journey going forward. There are great challenges ahead of us, especially with the new regulations in 2022. I’m sure we can hit our targets by working hard together and continuing the story. I often think back to the Sakhir Grand Prix last year with the podium, and it motivates me to create more special memories like that. I’m really looking forward to the next chapter but, for now, we’re very much focused on this season and taking each race as it comes.”