Two-time world champion Alonso returned to the sport in 2021 after a two-year hiatus, and the Spaniard clinched his first podium of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.
It was Alonso’s 98th career podium and his first since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix with Ferrari.
With Kimi Raikkonen retiring after this season, Alonso – a 32-time Grand Prix winner – will be the oldest driver on the grid at 40 next year.
But Ocon, who was joined by Alonso at Alpine this year, says his teammate remains as motivated as ever as they both push to help the French team move to the top of the grid.
Ocon called Alonso a “legend of the sport” and considers him, alongside Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, to be one of the best drivers of all time.
“I have a lot of respect for Fernando,” said Ocon.
“I know how much work he puts in, how much motivation he has, even now at his age and with how much experience he has and how much he has achieved in sport. That is more than impressive.
Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Alpine celebrate with the team
Photo by: Alpine
“I think he’s just a legend of the sport. He’s up there with the top guys, Senna, Schumacher, and he’ll stay there forever.
“Because what we’re doing now and what I see, how he thinks outside the box compared to the other drivers, is unprecedented.
“There is no one who will think the way he does and who will ever have his racing craft, I think. Therefore, I am happy to be his team-mate and proud to push as much as possible together for our common goal.”
Although a new deal was viewed as a formality, Alonso and Alpine announced a contract extension for the 2022 season earlier this year.
Alonso is in his third stint with the Enstone-based team after driving with Renault from 2003 to 2006 – when he won his two titles – and again from 2008 to 2009.
The Spaniard is 10th in this year’s overall standings with 60 points, ahead of Ocon, who scored 43 points.
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