Esteban Ocon is optimistic that at some stage in his Formula 1 career he will be granted the machinery to challenge for race wins and titles.
While Ocon has racked up a total of three podiums – including that memorable victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix – he has seldom had the chance to fight at the front.
The Frenchman has been associated with the Renault-owned Alpine squad since 2020, but the Enstone-based side has failed in its endeavours to escape the midfield region.
Prior to making his F1 debut midway through the 2016 season, Ocon had prevailed against current three-time World Champion Max Verstappen in the 2015 Formula 3 series.
But with the Dutchman since going on to accrue 53 victories in F1, Ocon admits that he is working towards one day hopefully having the opportunity to reignite that rivalry.
“It is a pain, for sure,” Ocon told RacingNews365. “But I’m working still as if we are going for wins and podiums after every weekend. You have to re-adjust your target and my target is to get the best out of the car every race weekend.
“I believe if I work hard and do well on the track then my time will come. One day I will have a car that I can compete in for championships and wins. I’m looking forward to that.”
Along with Verstappen, Ocon also competed through the karting ranks against Charles Leclerc, who has become an established race winner with the prestigious Ferrari team.
“I’ve been growing up with these guys who are leading all the time: Charles and Max. I know what I’m capable of,” Ocon addressed.
“I never actually thought we would all make it to Formula 1 and that’s probably why we succeeded, because if you start to see yourself up there it’s not a good thing.
“Maybe it has played a part that we were all together and pushed each other in the go-karts. We’ve built a super strong generation and it’s good to see we are all up here.”
Both Leclerc and Verstappen have already been open to the prospect of racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future – an event won previously by Nico Hulkenberg (2015) and Fernando Alonso (2018 and 2019).
With Alpine entering the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship, Ocon has been coy on the chances of him competing at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe.
“One day. Never say never, but right now I’m obviously fully focused on Formula 1,” Ocon answered when asked about Le Mans.
“It is clear that Le Mans is a phenomenal race and it would be cool if they could schedule it between F1 races.
“If one F1 driver makes the switch, many will follow. It’s something for the future now.”
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