Ocon wants to build on strong 2022 with Alpine: 'Getting faster'

Esteban Ocon hopes to have another strong season with Alpine. The Frenchman finished eighth in the drivers' championship as recently as 2022, even finishing ahead of teammate Fernando Alonso. In the new racing year, he wants to make another step up.

"We are all very proud of the work we have achieved and the bonus that we drove the car already" Ocon told the car launch. "It's been sensational to driving again, all those hours of work from these people. Thousands of people working to deliver this car: it was amazing. To let it go out the garage and go full throttle for the first time. That gave me the smile."

Ocon draws confidence from last season

The Frenchman stressed that he looks back on last season with satisfaction, but is keen to keep progressing with Alpine. It is therefore clear to Ocon that matching last season would be wonderful, with him hoping to narrow the gap towards Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.

"Last year has been a consistent season, stronger than when the team entered Formula 1 in 2021. We've scored strong results in the top 10 consistently, but obviously we want to build on that. We want to progress and get faster. And catch the top three. The goal is to keep fourth and get closer to third."