Esteban Ocon Criticizes Alpine’s Lack of Responsiveness to Driver Feedback Ahead of Haas Move

Esteban Ocon criticizes Alpine: "Our feedback has been ignored"

"We've raised issues regarding the car that remain unresolved, unaddressed"

Esteban Ocon has voiced his displeasure with Alpine, accusing them of ignoring the input provided by their drivers.

Ocon has announced his decision to sign with Haas for the 2025 season, concluding a tense period with Alpine that escalated this year.

His superiors reprimanded him for colliding with his team member, Pierre Gasly, in Monaco.

Ocon revealed to Sky Sports regarding his departure: "There were alternative choices. Discussions were held with several teams from mid-2023 onwards.

"I've accomplished what was necessary with Alpine. We secured my initial victory. There were positive times, yet we also faced challenges."

"Lately, the lack of a reliable vehicle has been quite aggravating, it's no mystery."

"Our voices haven't been heard as they ought to have been. Pierre [Gasly], Daniel [Ricciardo], Fernando [Alonso], and I have all felt this way."

"We've addressed issues with the vehicle that remain unresolved and unaddressed."

"We are left dealing with problems that originated three or four years back and persist to the present day. Such a situation is untenable in Formula 1."

'Ocon’s timing in critiquing Alpine has taken a few off guard.'

Despite his limited time left on the squad, there's still half of the 2024 season to go.

"Naomi Schiff from Sky Sports expressed her astonishment at the timing of his statement."

"Indeed, he is departing, yet he remains seated, donning an Alpine hat. Ten additional races are on his agenda with the squad."

"It's amusing to see how these drivers give off the impression that all is fine, but once they depart, the real story unfolds!"

"As someone behind the wheel, it's important to feel heard. Engineers might interpret data differently from the drivers' feedback, which is a common occurrence. It's also understood that drivers may not always be completely accurate."

"Obviously, it's important that everyone's requirements are satisfied. It seems he didn't believe his were."

"The outcomes are somewhat evident. This is apparent through the ongoing shifts in management."

During the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, Bruno Famin revealed his upcoming departure from the role of team principal.

Just twelve months have passed since Otmar Szafnauer departed from his identical position, in the midst of a broader departure wave from Alpine.

Famin disclosed that the team is contemplating the idea of purchasing engines in line with the regulations set for 2026.

Bernie Collins commented on Ocon's remarks regarding the team, stating, "We've all been in situations where a team requires someone to voice their concerns, with the hope that it will lead to improvement.

"The motorist, I refer to as the priciest among those we have in the vehicle."

"In the initial phase of a debrief, we inquire about your most significant constraint."

"It's essential for the driver to feel at ease and to precisely follow your directions."

This isn't a video game console. They must have trust in the vehicle to consistently hit the braking zone, lap by lap.

"Motorists are not automatons. They are unique persons."

"Discussions revolve around crafting a vehicle tailored to a driver's needs. Yet, it seems that's not the case. Tailoring a vehicle specifically for one driver is an approach, but failing to design it with any driver in mind presents a significant issue!"

Ocon secured the seventh quickest time during the second practice session on Friday at the Belgian Grand Prix.

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