Ocon no less than Ferraris Sainz or other “so-called second drivers”: Alpine F1 CEO

The newcomer Alpine Renault surprised the entire F1 community by signing a mammoth three-year contract with Esteban Ocon. Unfortunately for Alpine, the Frenchman has since fallen into hibernation, which may raise questions about the huge contract game.

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However, Laurent Rossi, the team’s chief executive officer, has shown no sign of concern about Ocon’s recent contract renewal. Why should that be?

Well, the Frenchman felt the team didn’t have too many hopes on Ocon as he thought the number 2 alpine rider might not be able to win championship titles in the future.

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What did the CEO of Alpine F1 say?

Speaking to the BBC, Rossi said that Ocon may not be championship material for Alpine. “He may not be guaranteed world championship material. Who can be called that? Not many drivers at the moment, ”said the alpine boss.

Of course, Rossi’s claims could be upheld, considering how Ocon has fought since 2020. Renault gave Ocon a second chance in 2020 after being banned from Racing Point in 2019 after taking over Stroll.

Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 3, 2021 Alpine Esteban Ocon comes to the REUTERS / Leonhard Foeger track before training

However, the Frenchman struggled to shine unlike his teammate at the time, Daniel Ricciardo’s glowing form. It wasn’t until the Sakhir Grand Prix that Ocon finally made the breakthrough by securing P2 in the dramatic race.

With Esteban Ocon, Alpine has an excellent second driver: Rossi

The alpine boss, although he described Ocon as not a masterful material, considered him to be no less a driver than Carlos Sainz.

“I wouldn’t let anyone say that they are a lesser driver than Carlos or one of the so-called second drivers on the top teams,” he said.

“With that I have at least an excellent second driver. And I honestly think he has everything it takes to become a top driver, ”added Rossi.

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Formula 1 F1 – Great Britain Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Great Britain – July 17, 2021 Alpine Esteban Ocon during practice REUTERS / Peter Cziborra

Ocon finally finished his run without goals at Silverstone last weekend after describing problems early on. The Frenchman drove wholeheartedly to secure P9 for Alpine, who appreciates another colon this season.

The next goal of Alpine in the constructors’ championship is therefore Aston Martin, which is only eight points ahead. So can the Alpenduo deliver another strong performance in Hungary to get past the returning British team next weekend? Only time can tell.

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