Ocon and Alpine extend partnership with new three-year deal

Alpine

Ocon and Alpine extend partnership with new three-year deal

Ocon is in his second year with Enstone-based team

Sam Hall

Wednesday 16 June 2021 16:52 Updated: 17:43

Alpine has announced the signing of a new three-year deal with Esteban Ocon ahead of the driver's home grand prix at Paul Ricard this weekend.

Ocon joined Alpine, then Renault, for the 2020 season after spending a year on the sidelines but after just six races of the season, the team has elected to cement the Frenchman's position with the team until the end of the 2024 season.

At the Sakhir Grand Prix last year, Ocon secured his first F1 podium when finishing second. It was also the team's best result of the season, narrowly bettering Daniel Ricciardo's pair of third-place finishes.

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“I’m delighted to continue with the team beyond this year and it’s a fantastic feeling to secure my future with Alpine," said Ocon.

"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."

Alpine cars CEO Laurent Rossi added: "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."

Ocon aims to create "more special memories"

Ocon made his F1 debut midway through the 2016 season with Manor before spending two years with Force India/Racing Point.

Reflecting on his Sakhir success, Ocon commented: "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."