Esteban Ocon has signed a new long-term deal with Alpine to remain at the French outfit until at the end of 2024.
Ocon joined the team, formally known as Renault, in 2020, returning to the Enstone-based squad whom he’d represented as its reserve driver in 2016.
The French driver left his position midway through the year to make his Formula 1 debut at the Belgian Grand Prix for Manor, with his nine-race stint earning him a move to Force India.
Despite two impressive campaigns, Ocon was dropped at the end of 2018 and spent a year on the sidelines working with reigning champions Mercedes as its third driver.
Since returning to a full-time race seat, Ocon secured his maiden podium finish at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, helping Renault to fifth place in the constructors’ standings.
Ocon’s strong end to last year has carried through to 2021, scoring points in four out of six races and out-qualifying double world champion team-mate Fernando Alonso on four occasions.
“We are very proud to retain Esteban as part of the Alpine family,” said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi. “Since returning to the team in 2020, Esteban has grown in confidence and stature to deliver consistently good results and help develop the car with the team.
“Despite his young age, he is very experienced in Formula 1 and he’s on a positive trajectory in both his maturity and ability behind the wheel. He is a strong asset for us now, and also going forward as we meet the challenge of the new regulations.
“We have every confidence in Esteban to help drive the team and the brand to the next level and meet its long-term objectives.
“For now, we look forward to continuing the 2021 campaign at our home Grand Prix in France and doing the best possible job at every remaining race weekend.”
Alpine revealed last month it had begun talks with Ocon over a new deal, insisting it had no plans to look for a replacement outside the Alpine fold.
The announcement rules Ocon out of the running for a 2022 Mercedes seat, which is now set to be a straight duel between Valtteri Bottas and Williams driver George Russell.
While Ocon is eyeing next year’s regulation changes as a chance for Alpine to make huge strides, he stressed the importance of continuing his strong start to the season.
“I’m delighted to continue with the team beyond this year and it’s a fantastic feeling to secure my future with Alpine,” Ocon said.
“We’ve been progressing well together since I joined the team and I aim to continue that journey going forward. There are great challenges ahead of us, especially with the new regulations in 2022.
“I’m sure we can hit our targets by working hard together and continuing the story. I often think back to the Sakhir Grand Prix last year with the podium, and it motivates me to create more special memories like that.
“I’m really looking forward to the next chapter but, for now, we’re very much focused on this season and taking each race as it comes.”
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