Some people may look at Esteban Ocon’s 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix win, the first of his F1 career, as an outcome of chance – a side-effect of racing. The truth is, Esteban’s success is made of the same tenacity and perseverance that many accredit to an overnight sensation, before realising and idolising the dedication and talent it takes to get as far as he has.

 

 

His story begins in a small town in Normandy, France, travelling from race to race with parents dedicated to ensuring their son could cultivate his talent and get a shot at becoming the next French driver on the Formula 1 grid. As a junior driver he fought his way through a successful karting career, ultimately earning the attention of the Renault Automotive Group. His successful run in Formula Renault then secured his seat in the European FIA Formula 3 Championship, which he ultimately won in 2014 before earning a spot in the Mercedes driver development programme and going on to win the 2015 GP3 Series championship. His relentless drive and perseverance, along with the hard work and sacrifice of his entire family ultimately culminated in 2016, with Esteban’s F1 debut at the Belgian Grand Prix.

 

 

Since joining the BWT Alpine F1 Team in 2020, at the time still racing under the Renault name, Esteban’s growth on and off the track has been exponential. His following online has even started calling him “Estie Bestie”, an endearing nickname that perfectly encapsulates his warm and friendly personality. When he is not competing for race wins, Esteban is the kind of guy that will go out of his way to make sure you feel included. He ensures that his time away from the track is for resting with family and friends and keeps a rigid training schedule to always be ready for the next race.

 

 

Esteban’s growing popularity on social media has encouraged him to continue sharing more of his personal life online, including his discovery of new interests when he’s not focused on racing. He recently started following other sports more avidly, like football and basketball; and sneaks in a few Instagram posts sharing his off-season vacations with friends and family.

 

 

After delivering the iconic football-shaped trophy to the Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony alongside then-teammate Fernando Alonso in 2021, Esteban got the chance to drive an Alpine show car to the 2022 Ballon d’Or Awards. With the golden trophy nestled perfectly in a custom-made addition to the car, Esteban expertly navigated the streets of Paris to ensure the trophy arrived in style. His involvement with the arrival of the Ballon d’Or in 2022 was made even more special when it was presented to Karim Benzema, the highly decorated French football player.

 

 

Now in his fourth year with BWT Alpine F1 Team, Esteban continues to be an exemplary role model to the team’s band of young drivers across the Alpine Academy and Rac(H)er programme, a hardworking teammate to the countless men and women in the Alpine Cars and BWT Alpine F1 Team family, and now a fellow race-winning Frenchman alongside Pierre Gasly. With the 2023 season underway, we are proud to champion Esteban Ocon at the height of his career, and we hope you are too.