Esteban Ocon has disclosed that conversations regarding a move to the Haas Formula 1 began back in mid-2023 as he decided to leave Alpine once his deal expired.
Haas announced last month that it has signed Ocon on a multi-term contract to partner Ferrari prospect Oliver Bearman in an all-new line-up at the team next season.
Ocon was open to pursuing a switch to another side in 2025 as Alpine revealed earlier this term that his long-standing relationship with the marque wouldn’t continue.
Despite Ocon achieving a memorable win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Enstone-based team has been unable to compete with the elite on a consistent basis.
Last season saw Alpine regress to sixth position in the Constructors’ Championship, while this campaign sees it lie a disappointing eighth with 11 points in 14 events.
Ocon has admitted that he was weighing up opportunities to head elsewhere next season as soon as last summer, with Haas among the names courting his services.
However, Ocon has divulged that Haas’ on-track improvement this term and new boss Ayao Komatsu’s vision was instrumental in him prioritising the American outfit.
“There’s been obviously a lot of conversation going around the paddock. That is quite clear,” Ocon acknowledged.
“This conversation started quite a long time ago. Already mid-season of 23. That’s really when things started.
“But Ayao really convinced me with his words. He’s a person that has a lot of experience in Formula 1.
“I’ve been working on my first steps into Formula 1 as well. When I was testing for the first time 10 years ago. I even know him from a lot longer than that.
“When we sat down for the first time, he explained me about his plans going forward, which were very clear.
“They have a clear target, which is still in humble terms. Not showing off, which is what I like as well.
“But they have very clear plans of improving where they are from. They are already starting that, as you can see.
“This year, they’ve been clearly improving their performance, the car itself. The plans are obviously quite big and quite impressive looking forward.
“It was a decision that I took that I’m very happy with and I’m very excited. It’s a great challenge, a new adventure for me after five years with this team.
“I look forward to finishing this season on a high as best as I can for the team and start the collaboration next year.”
Ocon is convinced that his impending move represents a “no-brainer” as Haas has climbed from 10th last season to seventh in 2024 with 16 more points than Alpine.
“It does confirm what Ayao is putting in place, basically,” Ocon added regarding Haas’ competitiveness this season.
“Of course, when you say something, but then you have the facts on track, it’s just very clear and very straightforward.
“To me, it was a no-brainer, as I said, to take that decision. I’m very happy with my choice and very happy with how we are going to move forward.”
During pre-season, Ocon reiterated his ties to Mercedes as a seat with the German marque opened up with the news that Lewis Hamilton will move to Ferrari in 2025.
But while the one-time F1 race winner has admitted that there were tentative talks with other teams elsewhere, Ocon is adamant that he is satisfied with his decision.
“I’m very happy with my choice,” he insisted. “I’m not going to speak about names or which teams.
“There were many discussions with many different teams since 2023. But now it’s official and I can say one name and that will remain.
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