Paris (AFP)
French driver Esteban Ocon, 24, signed a new contract with Alpine (ex-Renault) until 2024, a "three-year deal" announced by the French Formula 1 team on Wednesday.
After a year out of F1 in 2019, Ocon joined Renault in 2020 and his contract expired at the end of the 2021 season. With this additional three-year agreement, Ocon will continue the adventure with, at least in 2022, the Spanish Fernando Alonso as a teammate.
"I'm delighted to continue with the team beyond this year, it's fantastic to secure my future with Alpine," Ocon said in a statement from his team, as long-term contracts like this these remain rare in Formula 1.
“Great challenges await us, especially with the new regulations in 2022,” continued the Frenchman, referring to the revolution targeted by F1, with in particular new single-seaters, hoping for more sporting equity between the teams.
The native of Evreux in Normandy finished the 2020 season in 12th place in the world, signing his first podium in F1, 2nd at the Grand Prix of Sakhir (Bahrain).
Before the 7th round 2021 in France this weekend, he currently occupies the same 12th place.
"Despite his young age, he is very experienced in Formula 1 (73 Grands Prix, editor's note) and on a positive trajectory thanks to his maturity and his talent behind the wheel. He is a major asset in our ranks today, but also for the future, "said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.
Entering the top 10 and in the points four times this year, Ocon was able to convince his team to keep it.
Overall, he dominated his teammate Alonso, double world champion (2005, 2006 with Renault).
Even if the latter, back in F1 at 39 after two years of absence, has just moved to 11th place ahead of the French.
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After making his F1 debut in 2016 with the Manor team, Ocon completed his first two full seasons in the top flight in 2017 and 2018 with Force India / Racing Point before losing his seat for 2019. He was a driver that year. reserve for the multiple world champion Mercedes team.
© 2021 AFP