Esteban Ocon is a French Formula 1 driver who made his debut in 2016 with Manor, then moved to Force India before joining Renault in 2020, which later became Alpine.
He won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, securing his first F1 victory.
Throughout his career, Ocon has shown determination and talent, highlighted by his successes in junior categories like European Formula 3 and GP3.
His journey to F1 involved sacrifices from his family, who supported his karting career by living in a caravan.
Ocon has raced for various teams, including Manor, Force India, Renault and Alpine, showcasing his skills and resilience on the track.
Net worth | $21 million |
Profession | Formula 1 driver |
Date of birth | September 17, 1996 |
Nationality | French |
Background and early life
Ocon had a challenging yet supportive upbringing.
Born in Évreux, France, on September 17, 1996, Ocon’s parents made significant sacrifices to nurture his racing career.
They sold their house, put their jobs on hold, and lived in a caravan to travel from circuit to circuit, supporting their son’s karting endeavors.
Ocon’s father, Laurent Ocon, a mechanic, played a crucial role in his early life, owning a garage in Évreux where Esteban grew up surrounded by engines and motors, shaping his passion for racing.
Net worth
Ocon’s net worth is estimated to be around $21 million as of 2023.
This figure reflects his earnings from his career as a talented French Formula 1 driver, along with personal endorsements and investments in various sectors like real estate, stocks and digital money.
Ocon’s financial success is further supported by his annual salary of $3 million as a Formula 1 driver, a significant raise from his previous contract with Renault.
Additionally, Ocon collaborates with well-known brands for endorsements, including Castrol and Infiniti which contribute to his substantial endorsement earnings of around $6 million annually.
His diverse sources of income and strategic investments showcase his financial acumen and long-term financial stability.
Salary and contracts
Ocon earns £4,860,000 per year driving for Alpine in Formula 1, which translates to approximately $6 million in USD.
His current contract with Alpine runs through the 2024 season, reflecting a yearly salary of $6 million.
Throughout his career, Ocon has had varying salaries based on the teams he has raced for, with his earnings increasing over the years.
Notably, in 2020, he earned £4,860,000 with Renault, and in 2021 and 2022, he earned £4,050,000 with Alpine.
Ocon’s consistent performance and achievements, including his first F1 victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, have contributed to his steady rise in salary and contract stability within the Formula 1 landscape.
Endorsement deals
Ocon has secured several lucrative endorsement deals with renowned brands, enhancing his financial standing and visibility in the world of Formula 1.
Some of the brands that endorse Esteban Ocon include Castrol, Infiniti, MAPFRE, Dupont, Microsoft, BP Ultimate and Bell & Ross.
These partnerships not only provide Ocon with substantial financial support but also contribute to his overall net worth, which is estimated to be around $21 million.
Ocon’s collaboration with these brands underscores the significance of sponsorships in Formula 1, where drivers leverage their popularity and success to form strategic partnerships that benefit both parties.
Car collection
Ocon’s car collection includes several notable vehicles, reflecting his passion for automobiles and high-performance cars.
Some of the cars in his collection are the Mercedes AMG GT R, known for its exceptional performance and striking design, the Mercedes AMG C63 Edition1, offering a blend of sportiness and luxury and the Alpine A110S, an adrenaline-pumping sports car with remarkable performance and driving dynamics.
Ocon’s collection showcases a mix of high-performance vehicles that cater to his love for speed, precision, and automotive excellence.
Real estate properties
Ocon owns a place in Monaco and a holiday house in the south of France, showcasing his investments in real estate.
Additionally, he owns a lavish mansion in Switzerland, symbolizing his journey from humble beginnings to success.
Ocon’s real estate properties reflect his financial acumen and strategic investments beyond the realm of motorsport, highlighting his diverse portfolio and commitment to securing his financial future.
Force India stint
Ocon’s stint at Force India was marked by both success and challenges.
After joining the team in 2017, he demonstrated consistency and skill, securing points early in his debut season and maintaining a strong performance throughout.
Despite occasional flashpoints with his teammate Sergio Perez, Ocon’s abilities were evident as he consistently brought the car home in the points, showcasing his potential as a competitive driver.
In 2018, he continued to impress, out-qualifying Perez and contributing to the team’s success, including a second-row lock-out in Belgium.
However, the season presented difficulties, with incidents like a collision with Kimi Raikkonen in Azerbaijan and a controversial clash with Max Verstappen in Brazil.
Ocon’s time at Force India culminated in a challenging period when Lawrence Stroll’s consortium took over the team, leading to Lance Stroll’s appointment and Ocon’s departure.
Despite the challenges, his stint at Force India highlighted his talent, determination, and ability to compete at a high level in Formula 1.
Flashpoints with Sergio Perez
Ocon and Sergio Perez had several flashpoints during their time as teammates at Force India in Formula 1.
One notable incident occurred during the Belgian Grand Prix in 2017 when Ocon accused Perez of endangering both their lives by squeezing him into the wall at high speed, risking a collision.
This clash led to a heated feud between the two drivers, with Ocon labeling Perez’s driving as unprofessional and dangerous.
The tension escalated further in subsequent races, including a collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that cost the team valuable points.
These on-track incidents strained their relationship, prompting Force India’s management to consider imposing team orders to prevent further clashes.
Despite their rivalry, both drivers expressed a willingness to resolve their differences and move forward as a team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and professionalism in Formula 1.
Moving to Renault, now Alpine
Ocon moved to Renault, now known as Alpine, in 2020, signing a two-year contract with the team.
His transition to Renault marked a significant step in his Formula 1 career, as he took Nico Hulkenberg’s seat alongside Daniel Ricciardo.
Ocon’s time at Renault was characterized by notable achievements, including his first F1 victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Despite facing challenges in replicating his success under the new regulations, Ocon’s tenure at Renault, now Alpine, showcased his talent, determination and ability to compete at a high level in the competitive world of Formula 1.
His move to Renault, now Alpine, provided him with the platform to further develop his skills and establish himself as a competitive driver in the sport.
Early career
Ocon’s early career was marked by impressive achievements that laid the foundation for his success in Formula 1.
After winning the European Formula 3 Championship in 2014 at just 17 years old, he transitioned to GP3 in 2015, showcasing remarkable consistency with nine consecutive second-place finishes and ultimately securing the championship.
Ocon’s talent and background attracted the attention of top F1 teams like Lotus and Renault, with Mercedes ultimately signing him due to their interest in his skills.
In 2016, he drove in the DTM series, a less common path to F1, before making his Formula 1 debut with Manor Racing mid-season.
Despite initial challenges, Ocon demonstrated his potential and adaptability, setting the stage for his subsequent rise in the world of motorsport.
European Formula 3 Championship
Ocon won the European Formula 3 Championship in 2014 at the age of 17.
His victory in this prestigious championship showcased his exceptional talent and skill as a young driver.
Ocon’s success in the European Formula 3 Championship was a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his ability to compete at a high level and paving the way for his future in motorsport.
This achievement, achieved with Prema Powerteam, solidified Ocon’s position as a promising driver on the path to Formula 1, ultimately leading to his successful career in the top tier of motorsport.
GP3 series
Ocon achieved success in the GP3 Series in 2015, showcasing his talent and determination as a young driver.
Despite only winning one race during the season, his consistency and skill led him to secure the GP3 Series championship.
This victory in the GP3 Series, along with his previous triumph in the European Formula 3 Championship in 2014, highlighted Ocon’s potential and paved the way for his progression in the world of motorsport.
His achievements in the GP3 Series demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level and marked another significant milestone in his career as he continued to climb the ranks towards Formula 1.
DTM series
Ocon’s experience in the DTM series was challenging, as he admitted that his rookie season was tougher than expected.
Driving for the ART Mercedes team, he struggled to make an impression initially, only scoring points once in the first half of the season with a ninth-place finish at Zandvoort.
Despite the difficulties, Ocon acknowledged the high level of competition in the DTM series, emphasizing the need for experience and learning to prepare for the next steps in his career.
He highlighted the differences between manufacturers, performance weights, and the unique driving characteristics of the DTM cars, indicating the complexity of the series.
Ocon’s decision to compete in the DTM was aimed at gaining valuable experience and readiness for future challenges, showcasing his determination to grow as a driver despite the initial challenges he faced in the series.
Formula One debut
Ocon made his Formula One debut at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2016. He entered the F1 scene with Manor Racing, replacing Rio Haryanto mid-season.
This opportunity marked the beginning of Ocon’s journey in the pinnacle of motorsport, where he showcased his talent and determination on the track.
Despite the challenges that come with joining F1 mid-season, his debut laid the foundation for his subsequent career progression, leading him to race for teams like Force India, Renault and Alpine, where he achieved significant milestones such as his first F1 victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Ocon’s debut in Formula One symbolized the start of a promising career that has seen him rise as a competitive and respected driver in the sport.
Breakthrough
Ocon’s breakthrough moment in Formula 1 came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he secured his first-ever F1 victory.
This significant achievement marked a pivotal moment in Ocon’s career, showcasing his talent and determination on the track.
Following his breakthrough win, Ocon received congratulations from past French F1 winners like Jean Alesi and Olivier Panis, highlighting the significance of his victory within the French racing community.
The Hungarian Grand Prix victory was not only a personal milestone for him but also a historic moment for Renault, now known as Alpine, as it was their first win since returning to F1 as a factory team.
Ocon’s victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix was a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and readiness to seize opportunities, setting the stage for further successes in his Formula 1 career.
Esteban Ocon family
Ocon comes from a close-knit family that has played a pivotal role in supporting his racing career.
His parents made significant sacrifices to nurture his talent, selling their house, putting their jobs on hold and living in a caravan to travel and support his karting endeavors.
Ocon’s family’s unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in his journey to Formula 1.
He is the only child of his parents, who have been a constant source of encouragement and backing throughout his career.
Raised in a blue-collar engineering family, Ocon’s upbringing was immersed in the world of motorsport, with his family’s garage serving as a hub for his early experiences with engines and racing.
Despite not coming from a wealthy background, his family provided him with the love, support and environment necessary to pursue his passion for racing and achieve success in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Personal life
Ocon’s girlfriend is Flavy Barla.
After his breakup with Elena Berri, Ocon went public with his new girlfriend, Flavy Barla.
Their relationship became known through social media activity, with interactions like following each other on Instagram and liking posts.
Flavy was spotted at the Monaco Grand Prix, coincidentally in the same area where Ocon’s ex-partner, Elena Berri, was usually seen.
This new relationship marks a new chapter in Ocon’s personal life, following the end of his five-year relationship with Elena Berri.