Both Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso have done a lot on their part so that the work and personal relationship between them is optimal for the benefit of Alpine. However, the team has not yet striven for ambitious goals.
It is true that Fernando Alonso he was key to Esteban Ocon’s first Formula 1 victory, as the Spaniard held off Lewis Hamilton for 11 laps at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
It is also true that the Frenchman put everything on his side to contribute to Fernando Alonso’s return to the podium at the Qatar Grand Prix last year. But it is equally true that Alpine has not yet fought for really high levels and that, if it does one day, perhaps the relationship between the two will change.
«If I try a setting and it works, there will be no secrets»
Esteban Ocon is aware of this and admits that things could be different in the future, although the objective of both drivers must be to make it happen. “We are not fighting for the championship. The day that happens, relations will surely be more tense.. But it is not the case now, so we must work so that it can happen.
Alonso, an excellent colleague
But until that moment arrives, both drivers collaborate seamlessly with one another, always seeking to make Alpine go as far as possible in their ultimate goal of becoming a world title contender.
“Fernando and I complement each other. He doesn’t give me advice, but we work together », says the French pilot. “If I try a set-up and it works, there will be no secrets. It will be something that will be put on the table, we will talk, we will discuss. If we have questions about what one or the other has done, we always tell each other the truth.”.
And it is that Stephen Ocona driver still young and with many years ahead of him in Formula 1, has before him the opportunity to learn from one of the best drivers of this century, an opportunity he has no intention of wasting.
“Working with Alonso at Alpine is a great opportunity. It is wonderful to work with a double world champion»Esteban Ocon reiterates.
In 2021, Fernando Alonso finished the season ahead of Esteban Ocon. Although the Frenchman won a victory, the Spaniard added a podium and 81 points, compared to 74 for his teammate.
Photos: Alpine F1 Team