Esteban Ocon is changing the narrative about his duels with Fernando Alonso.
For the first time in 2024, Esteban Ocon claimed points for Alpine at the Miami GP. His performance was impressive, putting together a series of overtakes and finally getting points on the board. The highlight of his afternoon was battling Fernando Alonso for position, with the Spaniard eventually taking P9. Still, Ocon will be pleased to see the A524 fighting with Aston Martin and the AMR24.
It is no secret that Ocon and Alonso enjoyed a tricky relationship as teammates. Initially, they worked well together in 2021 – claiming one podium each, including the Frenchman’s maiden race victory in Hungary. Aside from these highlights, the Alpine duo scored points on a regular basis for a team who were seen as being on the ascendancy.
During the 2022 season, they also claimed important points. Alpine finished 4th in the Championship, a position they would love to be in currently. However, their campaign was characterised (at least in the eyes of the public) by inter-team squabbling. Alonso and Esteban Ocon came to blows on several occasions – from Jeddah to Hungary to Brazil.
With that said, their wheel-to-wheel combat in Miami was brilliant. Both drivers were pushing to the limit, and ultimately, it was a fair engagement.
IN THE POINTS!!! ☝🏼 This one means a lot to us and all credit to the team at Enstone and Viry who have worked so hard after a tough beginning to the season. Enjoyed a good battle with @alo_oficial along the way too. 🤝 and congrats @LandoNorris your first win, well deserved. pic.twitter.com/aa2Rh4K8HE
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) May 5, 2024
Ocon clears the air regarding Alonso
Speaking to the media post-race, Esteban Ocon addressed the consensus about his relationship with the Spaniard:
“Whatever all the people say, I enjoy a lot the fights with Fernando. I always did.
“I know how far I can push it with him – I know how far we can so side-by-side. And I ran out of battery!
“That’s what I told him, and that’s why he could pass me so quickly. But yeah, well done to him. It’s been a great fight, and I hope I can have many more with him!”
Of course, Alpine must keep today’s encouraging result in context. Just twelve months ago, they were faster than McLaren – the team who claimed victory in Miami with Lando Norris. Even ignoring today’s result, the French squad has regressed significantly compared to its rivals.
Looking ahead, there are reasons for optimism at Enstone.
Esteban Ocon was also close to points in Shanghai, thanks to the upgrades to the A524. Alpine has also eliminated most of its excess weight since round 1, putting it in a more competitive position. They have closed the gap to teams like Haas, who were comfortably ahead of the team in round 1.
However, they must continue to progress if they are to contend for bigger points.
