Ultimate Alpine goal not yet achieved: 'Only thing missing this year'

Alpine managed to take the next step this season with Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. Whereas the racing stable finished 120 points behind McLaren in the Constructors' Championship in 2021, the French formation kept their rival behind in 2022. Ocon, however, is not yet satisfied.

The driver finished no less than 16 races in the points this year, mostly placing him in the top 10. His result in Japan was his best performance of the season. The driver grabbed the fourth spot in the race weekend, scoring 12 points for his team.

However, Ocon would have preferred to finish on the podium in 2022, he told Motorsport.com. "The only thing that was missing this year was a podium," Ocon commented. He therefore hopes Alpine manages to make a move next season.

"We finished fourth in the final standings and in terms of points, I never scored so much in a season before. I am happy about that. The team did a good job developing the car. The gap was getting smaller and smaller. Hopefully we can narrow it further in 2023."

Gasly should provide extra energy

Incidentally, in the new season, Ocon will have to do without Alonso. The Spaniard departs for Aston Martin, while Pierre Gasly makes the switch to the Frenchman. Ocon hopes he and Gasly will be able to form a strong team, bringing a podium finish closer.