Okon: Haas F1’s arguments seemed convincing to me

In an interview with Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, Esteban Ocon spoke about the crisis at Alpine and the decision to move to Haas F1…

Q: You joined Renault in 2020, won with Alpine in Budapest in 2021, but things went downhill from there. What’s the reason?
Esteban Ocon: In 2022 our car was the fourth fastest. Last year we achieved two podium finishes, but there was a lack of consistency. In fact, there are several reasons, but I’ll leave them to myself. I don’t want to be in the headlines.

Question: Were you shocked by the last row at the start of the season in Bahrain?
Esteban Ocon: Before the start of the season there was no reason for optimism. Even during the simulator we realized that the car did not meet our expectations. Unfortunately, this was confirmed in reality.

When I signed the contract in 2020, high expectations were placed on me. There were also big promises from the team. But they haven’t come out in five years. It is difficult for a driver to deal with a situation where he gives everything and finishes among the last.

Q: What has been the car’s biggest problem lately?
Esteban Ocon: There are many problems. Too many races lately have not been fun for the whole team. This must change. I want to end the year with a good result. There aren’t many races left, but I’m not giving up.

Q: You complained that engineers don’t listen enough to riders’ opinions. Is switching teams a sign that you have lost confidence?
Esteban Ocon: Five years in one team is a long time in Formula 1. We had good and bad moments. It’s time to try somewhere else.

Negotiations with other teams started in 2023. It was clear to me that I was looking for a new challenge.

Question: Why did you refuse the contract with Audi?
Esteban Ocon: I don’t want to go into details. I negotiated with several teams and Haas F1’s arguments seemed the most convincing to me. They presented me with a clear action plan. This will be a great team.

Question: In 2023 Haas F1 took last place, it is the smallest team in Formula 1. The choice does not seem obvious…
Esteban Ocon: I’m very happy that the team is led by Ayo Komatsu. This is an experienced racing engineer who knows what he’s talking about. When we first met I was still very young, but even then I was impressed by the questions he asked me.

He was my engineer when I did my first Formula 1 test in 2014. I have good memories. Haas currently employs 300 people, but they do more than 1,500-employee teams.

In the future, the team will face major investments that will affect the efficiency of the machine. The team has clear objectives. I want to be part of it. I have already been to the base and have seen how passionately everyone works. I missed this feeling.

Q: Would you have moved to Haas F1 if Komatsu hadn’t worked there?
Esteban Ocon: This question cannot be answered unequivocally, but it was Ayo who convinced me during the negotiations. Then we met Gene Haas. Everyone was on the same note.

Question: Your partner will be the inexperienced Oliver Berman, are you ready for the role of team leader?
Esteban Ocon: I like to share my experience and knowledge. I have done more than 150 races, I know what I need from a car, but in the early days I will probably ask Ollie more than the other way around. He has already tested and trained a lot with the team. This should help us start the season well.

Question: In 2014 you won the Formula 3 title ahead of Max Verstappen. Now he has three championship titles and you will soon be driving for Haas. Do you ever feel like you are underestimated?
Esteban Ocon: Of course I would like to fight for the title. This remains my goal. I have always believed that if you work hard and improve, such an opportunity will arise. We know this from the example of Jenson Button. It would be great to have a car that can regularly finish in the top five. Last year I fought evenly with McLaren in many races, and now they are fighting for the title. Anything can happen.