Esteban Ocon could only manage 20th in qualifying for the Qatar GP, four tenths away from making Q2. The Frenchman has no answer for why he’s failed to match teammate Pierre Gasly for the last few months.
Ocon confused by recent pace deficit to Gasly
In the first seven rounds of the season, Esteban Ocon enjoyed a notable advantage over Pierre Gasly.
Ocon was ahead of his teammate in both race and qualifying head-to-heads, starting the year in very solid fashion.
However, after the Monaco GP and his decision to leave Alpine, the tides have turned at Enstone.
Aside from the rain-affected Brazilian GP, Ocon has struggled for pace in recent months.
The same cannot be said for Gasly, who has become a regular contender for top 10 results – particularly since Alpine’s COTA upgrades.
Ocon hopes there is no preferential treatment at Alpine
Speaking after a disappointing qualifying in Qatar, the 28-year-old gave his perspective:
“I mean, it’s just a normal session, I would say,” he told the media.
“Nothing was particularly bad, looking at where we are. The lap was clean, I didn’t go off, I didn’t do a mistake.
“It’s one of the laps that we should’ve gone through quite easily.
“But as soon as we cross the line, there’s just no performance for us this weekend.”
When asked directly if he is receiving equal treatment to Gasly, he responded – “I hope so.”
Both sides ready to turn the page
Regardless of the situation on Ocon’s side of the garage, his relationship with Alpine has clearly deteriorated.
Much like his former teammate Fernando Alonso, Ocon will be eager to join his new team – Haas – next season.
From the Alpine perspective, his recent struggles could be costly in their battle with Haas and VCARB.
Even with the French team’s double podium in Brazil, they still risk finishing the year 8th in the constructors. This would be Team Enstone’s worst finish since 2016.
Then again, with Flavio Briatore in negotiations with Colapinto, perhaps the French outfit’s main priority is the 2026 regulations.
