Esteban Ocon: Career, Net Worth, Rivalry with Verstappen and More

Few Formula 1 drivers carry a backstory as layered as Esteban Ocon’s: he went from a family that sold their home to fund his karting to a race winner in the sport’s most competitive era. Along the way, a childhood rivalry with Max Verstappen turned into one of F1’s most enduring feuds.

Current Team: Haas F1 Team ·
Nationality: French ·
Age: 28 (born 17 September 1996) ·
Height: 1.86 m ·
F1 Wins: 1

Eight facts, one pattern: Ocon’s career is defined by resilience and a single breakthrough moment that few drivers from modest beginnings achieve.

What happened to Esteban Ocon?

Ocon’s career path has been anything but linear. After debuting with Manor in 2016, he spent two seasons at Force India (2017–2018). The team’s financial collapse led to a reserve role at Mercedes in 2019. A full-time return came with Renault in 2020, which rebranded to Alpine in 2021. After four seasons, Ocon left Alpine following the 2024 season and joined Haas on a multi-year deal starting in 2025.

Why did Ocon leave Alpine?

• Ocon’s 2024 exit from Alpine was framed as an early split before the end of the season.
• The move to Haas was announced in July 2024, making Ocon the first Grand Prix winner to drive for the team since its 2016 debut.

What is Ocon’s current team?

Ocon drives for Haas F1 Team, carrying car number 31. Haas identified engineer Ayao Komatsu as the person who was present for Ocon’s first Formula 1 test.

The pattern is clear: each move has been a reaction to circumstances rather than a steady climb.

Has Ocon ever won a race?

Yes, once. Ocon’s sole Formula 1 victory came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. He drove a strategic race in changing conditions, holding off Lewis Hamilton to take the win. It remains his only Grand Prix victory.

How many F1 wins does Ocon have?

• 1 win (2021 Hungarian GP)
• First podium: 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix (2nd)
• Total podiums: 3 (as of 2025)
• Career points: 486

That win remains the statistical outlier in an otherwise consistent midfield career.

Why do F1 drivers not like Ocon?

Ocon has built a reputation for aggressive defensive driving that has led to on‑track conflicts. The most notable involve former teammates and champions.

What incidents caused Ocon’s unpopularity?

• On-track clashes with Sergio Perez in 2018 while both were at Force India.
• Collision with Max Verstappen at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Ocon attempted to un‑lap himself and made contact with the race leader.
• A reputation for hard racing that has drawn criticism from fellow drivers.

The implication: his driving style is polarising, but the data does not show a trend of repeat offences.

Do Verstappen and Ocon get along?

The relationship between Esteban Ocon and Max Verstappen is rooted in a karting rivalry that predates their F1 careers. They raced each other in the 2014 FIA European Formula 3 championship, which Ocon won. The frostiness boiled over in 2018.

What happened in the 2018 Brazilian GP?

During the race, Ocon – a lap down – attempted to un‑lap himself and collided with leader Verstappen, costing Verstappen the win. After the race, they exchanged physical contact, and Verstappen was ordered to complete two days of public service.

Did Ocon and Verstappen have a karting rivalry?

Yes. They competed against each other in karting in Belgium, where both lived as children. Ocon beat Verstappen to the 2014 F3 title. Their current relationship is described as “not friends” but professional.

“We are not friends. I think it’s clear. But in the paddock, we can be professional.”

– Esteban Ocon (reported by multiple media)

“He’s a talented driver but I don’t have a lot of respect for how he races.”

– Max Verstappen (2018 interview)

The catch: neither seems willing to bury the hatchet publicly, ensuring the feud remains a talking point.

Who grew up poor in F1?

Esteban Ocon’s journey to Formula 1 involved significant financial sacrifice. His parents sold their home to fund his early karting career. He was supported by Gravity Sports Management after winning junior series, a crucial lifeline that allowed him to continue racing.

How did Esteban Ocon’s childhood shape his career?

• Ocon’s family faced financial struggles during his karting years.
• Parents sold their home to fund his racing.
• Supported by Gravity Sports Management after winning the 2014 F3 title.
• His humble beginnings contrast with wealthier drivers like Lando Norris.

“I’m very proud to join Haas. It’s a team with a lot of potential and a great spirit.”

– Esteban Ocon (Haas F1 Team announcement)

“We are delighted to welcome Esteban. He brings race-winning experience and a strong work ethic.”

– Ayao Komatsu, Haas Team Principal (Haas F1 Team)

Ocon’s move to Haas opens a new chapter. For the team, it’s a chance to harness a driver who has beaten Verstappen in junior categories and won a Grand Prix. For Ocon, it’s a chance to rebuild his reputation after the Alpine exit. The trade-off is clear: Haas gains experience but must manage a driver known for on-track friction.

For a more detailed look at Esteban Ocons career journey, including his early family sacrifices and full F1 statistics, check out this in-depth profile.

Frequently asked questions