F1 News: Esteban Ocon Left Wanting More After "Most Interesting Test" In 2024 Alpine Car
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon has high hopes for the 2024 contender after he topped the leaderboard in Abu Dhabi during the post-season test, which he termed the "most interesting test ever."
The French team had a rollercoaster year as it lacked consistency throughout 2023. Ocon finished third in Monaco this year but earned 7 DNFs throughout the season and eventually finished 12th in the Drivers' Standings. On the other hand, teammate Pierre Gasly finished one place above him in 11th. Overall, the team secured the sixth spot in the Constructors' Championship.
However, it wasn't just the on-track inconsistency that plagued Alpine. The team went through several management changes, which included the exit of former Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, and then-Sporting Director Alan Permane. Earlier this week, race director Davide Brivio also announced his exit from the Renault-owned outfit.
The recent changes in management likely contributed to the heightened sense of uncertainty experienced by the drivers. Ocon had revealed that he was "not the happiest" this season but, the highly impressive post-season test in Abu Dhabi might be the silver lining he was looking for. Speaking to Formula1.com after the test, he said:
“It was a very interesting day, being able to test things that we were not able to test in the race and throughout the year.
“You know, it’s been a very free test in a way so that was very interesting. It was probably the most interesting test that I’ve ever done and some good outcomes from it as well. It’s going to be useful for next year’s car in general and I’m happy with the outcome.”
Ocon added that 2023 had been a year of learning for the team as it heads back to the garage with plenty of data to take from over the winter break, for the development of the 2024 car. He said:
“We are trying to keep learning from this year and hopefully bring the good things into next year’s car, and that’s going to be the aim over the winter as well, on the simulator to be able to extract the maximum out of the data that we’ve just put in there.
“So a really good day, clean stuff happened out there and we can be proud of today from everyone because it’s been a long season, everyone is tired at this point and we had zero issues with both cars and they’ve run squeaky clean.
“We keep on working and I’m pretty sure good things will come. I trust the team to do a good job over the winter and everyone is hungry for more, to keep on improving, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”
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