Esteban Ocon Joins Haas F1 Team from 2025
Esteban Ocon, known as one of Formula 1’s strongest midfield drivers, will race for Haas F1 Team starting in 2025. The US-owned team hired Ocon in July 2024 after Alpine chose not to renew his contract beyond the 2024 season. Ocon joined Alpine in 2020, during the team’s final year as Renault, and spent four seasons with the Enstone-based outfit.
Ocon’s 2024 season with Alpine ended prematurely as he forfeited the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to participate in post-season testing with Haas at Yas Marina. This allowed Alpine to integrate Jack Doohan, Ocon’s replacement, into the team earlier than planned.
A Career Built on Mercedes Support
Ocon’s Formula 1 journey began with Mercedes, where he served as a reserve driver in 2019. Toto Wolff, a part of Ocon’s management team since 2015, helped pave his way into F1. Mercedes facilitated Ocon’s 2016 debut with Manor after the French driver impressed in the DTM and won the GP3 Series title in 2015.
From Manor, Ocon transitioned to Force India, where he raced for two seasons before losing his seat in 2018. Despite spending a year on the sidelines as Mercedes’ reserve driver, he returned to the grid with Renault in 2020. His standout moment came with Alpine in 2021, when he won the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Rising Through the Ranks in Karting and Single-Seaters
Ocon’s racing career began in go-karts in 2005. By 2008, he had claimed the Cadet title in the Championnat de France, defeating future F1 drivers like Pierre Gasly. In 2014, Ocon won the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, beating Max Verstappen, and followed it up with the GP3 Series title in 2015.
Personal Sacrifices and Triumphs
Ocon’s family made immense sacrifices to support his career, including selling their home to fund his karting. Their gamble paid off, as Ocon progressed to F1, where he has consistently demonstrated his skills.
Personal Life and Achievements
At 28, Ocon stands as one of the tallest drivers on the grid at 6 ft 1 in. Off the track, he is dating Flavy Barla, a medical student and former Miss Côte d’Azur. As of 2024, Ocon has a net worth of $21 million, reflecting his success in Formula 1 and endorsements.
