Esteban Ocon – French Triumph Return to Formula 1 Podium
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Esteban Ocon, a French racing driver of the BWT Alpine F1 Team.
Congratulations on achieving your first podium at the Monaco Grand Prix! What did it mean to you personally to stand on the podium in such an iconic race, and how do you think this achievement will impact your career moving forward?
Thank you very much for your kind words. Finishing on the podium in Monaco is a dream come true for any driver, and I am extremely happy to have achieved it. The Monaco Grand Prix is a highly prestigious race held in an iconic location, and we all grew up watching cars race around these streets on TV. Every podium I’ve had in Formula 1 so far holds a special place in my heart, but there is something extra special about Monaco. Personally, it meant a lot to me, and I know it was very important for the team as well. We faced some challenges and unexpected performances earlier this season, so coming to Monaco and securing a podium was a significant moment. It not only boosted our confidence but also showcased to the world that we have the capability to fight for top positions on the grid. This result rewards the hard work of the entire team, both at the factories in Enstone and Viry-Chatillon, as well as at the track. That podium was for all of them.
The race at the Monaco Grand Prix was challenging due to the unpredictable weather conditions and rain. How did you adapt your driving style and strategy to tackle these difficult conditions and secure your podium finish?
Yes, the rain towards the end of the race definitely added stress and introduced an additional element to the race. I remember thinking when the rain started falling, “That’s it, you might lose this podium.” However, my team remained calm and handled the situation brilliantly. We made the right decision to pit for wet tires at the perfect time, allowing us to maintain our position. Personally, I really enjoy driving in the rain. I’ve had some good results in the past when rain impacted the race, such as my win in Hungary in 2021 or our P4 finish in Japan last year. Growing up in Normandy, where it rains a lot, you could say I’m used to it. However, adapting to rain on the track, especially in the middle of a race, is never straightforward. It requires quick thinking to adjust your strategy, know when to pit, and more. In Monaco, we executed those decisions exceptionally well.
How did it feel to battle against some of the top drivers on such a prestigious track like Monaco?
I believe that everyone in F1 is a top driver, and we all deserve to be here. As I mentioned before, I think this year’s grid is the strongest it has been since I entered the sport in 2016. Personally, I enjoy all the battles on track, regardless of who I’m competing against. All drivers are highly competitive and have a strong desire to win. That being said, it always feels special to be on track with legends like Lewis or Fernando, or even Seb when he was with us. However, my focus is always on myself and the job we need to do as a team. We will always give our best to achieve a good result.
How did the team contribute to your success in Monaco? Were there any special preparations or improvements made for this race?
Success in Formula 1 is a collective effort. Without the hard work of every single person in the team, both at the factories and on the track, there would be no success. All success is shared. We win and lose as a team. While I always strive to give 110% in the car, I am only one person, and we all have to play our part to succeed on the track. I owe my podiums and first win to my team, and we are working hard to achieve more successes. In Monaco, I didn’t prepare any differently compared to other races, but I did sense something special in the air as soon as we arrived. Being right next to France and with a French-speaking race atmosphere, it felt somewhat like a home race for me. I received tremendous support from the moment I arrived, probably more than ever before in Monaco. That support truly inspired me, making the podium even more special. So, I want to express my gratitude to all who cheered for us throughout the weekend!
Are there any lessons or takeaways from the Monaco GP that you will apply to upcoming races?
The Monaco Grand Prix taught us that if we have a clean weekend, we can compete higher up the grid and earn more points. It boosted our confidence and showed us that we can challenge the top teams. Despite not having the fastest car this season, we have demonstrated good pace and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters. The key now is to replicate these performances consistently. Our aim is to consistently fight for podiums and, ultimately, the world championship. I believe we are heading in the right direction, and that is truly exciting for us. This result has been a great morale boost for all the hardworking men and women in the team who strive for such outcomes.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the rest of the Formula 1 season?
Our goals for the remainder of the season are straightforward. We always strive to finish the weekend with both cars in the points. We need to be prepared to seize the opportunities that come our way and make the most of them to maximize our points tally. Additionally, we will continue to bring upgrades and develop the car throughout the season, enabling us to challenge our competitors ahead. It won’t be easy, but our mission remains to secure fourth place in the World Championship this year. We will give our best efforts to accomplish these objectives.