Esteban Ocon Optimistic for 2024 Following Alpine’s “Most Interesting Test” in Abu Dhabi

Alpine’s Esteban Ocon topped the leaderboard in Abu Dhabi’s post-season test, calling it the “most interesting test ever.” The French driver expressed positivity for 2024, despite a challenging 2023 season.

Key Takeaways:

• High Hopes for 2024: Esteban Ocon showed optimism for the 2024 season after a successful post-season test in Abu Dhabi, where he led the field. His comments reflect a positive outlook for Alpine’s future, despite a tough 2023 season.
• Challenging Year for Alpine: The French team faced a rollercoaster 2023, marked by inconsistency, management changes, and a lack of stability. Ocon finished 12th in the Drivers’ Standings, with his teammate Pierre Gasly just above him.
• Focus on Learning and Improvement: Ocon emphasized the team’s focus on learning from the 2023 season and using the post-season test data for developing the 2024 car. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve and his eagerness for the upcoming season.

The 2023 Formula 1 season was a challenging one for Alpine, but driver Esteban Ocon’s recent performance at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the team. Despite a year filled with ups and downs, including several management changes and on-track inconsistencies, Ocon’s recent comments indicate a positive outlook for the future.

Alpine’s performance in 2023 was far from ideal, with Ocon securing only a third-place finish in Monaco and suffering seven DNFs throughout the season. These results led to a 12th-place finish in the Drivers’ Standings, just behind teammate Pierre Gasly. As a team, Alpine managed to secure the sixth position in the Constructors’ Championship, a result that left the team wanting more.

The instability within the team’s management also played a significant role in the year’s outcomes. The departure of Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, Sporting Director Alan Permane, and race director Davide Brivio from the Renault-owned outfit added to the challenges faced by the drivers.

However, the post-season test in Abu Dhabi seems to have provided a much-needed boost. Ocon’s performance and enthusiasm during the test were palpable. In his words to Formula1.com, he described the test as “very interesting” and a chance to try new things. His optimism was evident as he spoke about the positive outcomes and their potential impact on the 2024 car.

The team’s focus now shifts to the off-season, where the data gathered from the test will be invaluable for the development of the 2024 contender. Ocon’s belief in the team’s ability to learn and improve is a promising sign for Alpine fans. As he stated, the team is “hungry for more” and aiming to bring their learnings into the next year’s car.

Ocon’s confidence and the team’s commitment to improvement suggest that Alpine could be a team to watch in the 2024 Formula 1 season. With a clear focus on addressing the past season’s issues and building on the successes of the Abu Dhabi test, Alpine appears poised for a comeback.