Esteban Ocon, Haas, Imola, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

F1 star Esteban Ocon reveals tough life living in a caravan

Esteban Ocon had a tough childhood before getting into Formula 1

Dan Ripley Global Editor

Professional F1 journalist and analyst

Thursday 23 October 2025 22:55

Esteban Ocon has opened up on the unseen side of a Formula 1 star's life, including living in a caravan.

The Frenchman has established himself as a successful F1 driver over his career that started in 2016, with his highlight being the incredible victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for Alpine after seeing off a late Lewis Hamilton charge.

These days, the 29-year-old is driving for the Haas team having left Alpine at the end of last season, and has taken part in 175 grands prix.

But Ocon's journey to the pinnacle of motor racing was a tough and unconventional one.

While many of today's F1 stars can benefit from financial backing from a key sponsor and/or family, Ocon had to stand out the hard way in his early years.

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Ocon's parents made the ultimate sacrifice for him, selling their house and dedicating their lives to build his dreams.

But Ocon has opened up on the difficulties and wild life he faced as a child.

Esteban Ocon called gypsy by school bullies

"I came home from the race on Sunday evening, and the next morning I woke up right in front of school," Ocon said in an interview with French YouTube channel Legend.

"That was easier because we didn't have a permanent residence. We usually stayed at my cousin's house with the caravan, but when it was very late, we just parked in front of the school. Then I went straight to class.

"I didn't have many friends. Many people said to me, 'You're a Gypsy, what are you doing here?' I have great respect for the travelling community - they sold us the caravan! But my classmates made fun of me. It really wasn't easy.

"I was often absent because we had to go to free practice on Fridays. Even the principal told me back then: 'You have to stop doing this. Honestly, it won't get you anywhere. This is a sport for the rich, you have no chance here.' Well, thanks for trying to destroy my dreams, but I did it!

"It's sad to tell a 10-or-11-year-old child that they can't realise their dream."

Ocon's big Mercedes break

Ocon ploughed on with his racing career regardless and after winning the Formula 3 European Championship, he finally got his big break by being taken on to Mercedes' young driver programme.

Despite proving that a humble kid could in fact get to F1, Ocon doesn't recommend others follow his path.

"I can't recommend anyone do what we did," emphasises the current Haas driver. "School is very important. You have to work hard because you never know what the future holds."

Ocon will be back in action at this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix looking to add to his 28 points for the season, having not scored a point since the Dutch Grand Prix in August.

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