Estaban Ocon – A Career Perspective

By Joe Murphy

Esteban Ocon’s trajectory through Formula 1 has been a testament to his technical precision, adaptability, and strategic approach to racing. From his formative years in karting to becoming a consistent points scorer in one of the most technically demanding motorsports in the world, Ocon’s career exemplifies the integration of skill, engineering knowledge, and persistence.

Born in Échirolles, France, on September 17, 1996, Ocon’s entry into motorsport began at the age of four with karting, where he quickly displayed superior handling and tactical awareness. Transitioning to the French F4 Championship in 2012, his performance was characterized by exceptional racecraft and an ability to manage tire degradation and fuel efficiency. These attributes led to his swift progression into Formula 1. In 2016, Ocon made his debut as a full-time driver with Manor Racing, a team with limited technical resources but one that highlighted his ability to extract performance from suboptimal equipment. His first season was marked by notable racecraft, consistently outperforming his teammate, Rio Haryanto, despite the team’s technical constraints. This led to a move to Force India (now Aston Martin) for the 2017 season. Ocon’s quick acclimatization to the team’s more sophisticated machinery was a critical step in his career.

At Force India, Ocon’s capabilities were fully showcased, particularly in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. His technical acumen was evidenced by his ability to optimize car balance, tire management, and strategic decisions during races, particularly in challenging conditions. Partnering with Sergio Perez, a driver with considerable experience, Ocon consistently extracted the maximum from his car, securing multiple top-6 finishes and accumulating 87 points in 2018. “The 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix was a crucial moment. The car’s performance was largely dependent on optimal tire management under wet conditions. I was able to adjust the setup mid-race to preserve grip and maintain consistent lap times,” Ocon explained, referencing his technical approach to race strategy. However, the political dynamics within the team resulted in a shock switch for the 2019 season when Ocon was replaced by Lance Stroll following the team’s acquisition by Lawrence Stroll’s consortium. This left Ocon without a race seat for the season, despite being contracted as a Mercedes reserve driver.

Ocon returned to Formula 1 in 2020 with Renault, which rebranded as Alpine. While the 2020 season presented challenges in terms of car development and performance consistency, Ocon’s technical understanding of car setup and race strategy enabled him to remain competitive. His greatest achievement came in 2021 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he secured his first Formula 1 victory. This success was a result of precise tire management, strategic pit stops, and the ability to extract peak performance during a chaotic race. “It was a culmination of years of hard work. The key to winning was understanding how to manage tire degradation, optimizing braking zones, and executing pit strategies in a way that would prevent us from losing positions,” Ocon remarked after his win.

In a significant strategic shift, Ocon signed a multi-year contract with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for the 2025 season. This move comes after a successful spell at Alpine, during which Ocon honed his understanding of aerodynamics, car balance, and tire optimization. Haas, eager to elevate their competitive standing, sees Ocon’s technical expertise as a pivotal factor in their development. “I am excited to join Haas, a team with a clear upward trajectory,” Ocon said. “I am particularly drawn to the team’s approach to maximizing the potential of the VF-24, and I look forward to applying my experience in car setup and race strategy to enhance our performance.” A key aspect of Ocon’s move is his collaboration with Ayao Komatsu, Haas’s Team Principal. Their professional relationship dates back to Ocon’s early days with Lotus, and Komatsu recognizes Ocon’s ability to work within complex engineering environments. “Esteban brings a wealth of technical experience, having worked in a factory team, and his analytical approach to car performance will be invaluable in Haas’s development,” Komatsu noted.

Ocon’s addition to the Haas lineup is expected to provide a significant technical boost to the team. His technical expertise in understanding aerodynamics, tire management, and race strategy will be instrumental in helping Haas close the gap to their midfield competitors. During the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Ocon’s adaptability was evident as he advanced to fifth place following post-race disqualifications, demonstrating his ability to extract maximum performance from the car despite external challenges. “The team has been working relentlessly to improve the VF-24, focusing on aerodynamics and brake cooling to enhance stability during high-speed corners. The engineering team’s dedication to optimizing the chassis and setup has been key to our improvement,” Ocon explained. As the 2025 season progresses, Ocon’s partnership with Haas’s rookie driver, Oliver Bearman, will bring an interesting dynamic. Bearman’s raw speed, combined with Ocon’s established racecraft, creates a balanced lineup capable of maximizing car performance.

Looking forward, Ocon’s future in Formula 1 remains promising. With over 200 career points and three podium finishes, Ocon has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt to varying car setups, optimize tire performance, and execute successful race strategies. His experience in managing different car characteristics and evolving team dynamics positions him as a key player for future seasons. “Formula 1 is an ever-evolving sport. My approach has always been to refine my skills, particularly in terms of car setup, tire management, and maximizing performance under different conditions. With Haas, we have the potential to challenge for higher positions in the coming seasons,” Ocon commented.

Esteban Ocon’s technical acumen, racecraft, and strategic mindset continue to make him a formidable force in Formula 1. His ability to manage car dynamics, tire life, and racing strategies has been key to his success, and his move to Haas marks a new chapter where his technical expertise will help drive the team’s development. As he continues to build on his experience, Ocon remains one of the more talented men on the grid.