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Formula One is one of the richest sports across the globe and the drivers usually receive some of the most lucrative deals ever. The F1 teams have started to invest more and more in youth in recent times. With Red Bull giving a mega contract to Max Verstappen, Ferrari and McLaren have done the same with Charles Lecrerc and Lando Norris. Most of the teams have started planning for the future and Alpine has now followed the same path. The Enstone based team have awarded a three-year contract to 24-year-old Esteban Ocon which will keep him at the team till 2024 season at least.
Ocon is very experienced in Formula 1: Laurent Rossi
The decision comes on the back of Ocon's impressive performances on a consistent basis for the team since joining them back last year. The Frenchman got his first podium during 2020 Bahrain GP and has done a decent job this year, bagging 12 points so far.
Reflecting on the contract extension, Team’s CEO Laurent Rossi said that they are very proud to retain Esteban as part of the Alpine family. He added that Esteban has grown in confidence and stature to deliver consistently good results and has helped develop the car with the team.
“Despite his young age, he is very experienced in Formula 1 and he’s on a positive trajectory in both his maturity and ability behind the wheel. He is a strong asset for us now, and also going forward as we meet the challenge of the new regulations. We have every confidence in Esteban to help drive the team and the brand to the next level and meet its long-term objectives," said Rossi.
I'm really looking forward to the next chapter: Ocon
The 24-year-old was undoubtedly thrilled to be handed a contract extension which will keep him in Formula One for three more years at least which is an achievement in itself. Reflecting on the same, Ocon said, "I’m delighted to continue with the team beyond this year and it’s a fantastic feeling to secure my future with Alpine. We’ve been progressing well together since I joined the team and I aim to continue that journey going forward. There are great challenges ahead of us, especially with the new regulations in 2022."
Ocon added that the podium he got last year motivates him to create more special memories in future and he is really looking forward to the next chapter. He concluded that for now, they are very much focused on this season and taking each race as it comes. Notably, the next race on the calendar is French Grand Prix which will be Ocon's home race and the driver would certainly want to celebrate his new deal in style at home with some points to his name.