Esteban José Jean-Pierre Ocon-Khelfane, born on September 17, 1996, in Évreux, Normandy, France, is a professional racing driver competing in Formula One for the Haas F1 Team as of the 2025 season. Known for his resilience and tenacity, Ocon has carved a notable path in motorsport, rising from humble beginnings to become a Grand Prix winner.
His journey is marked by a fierce competitive spirit, shaped by the sacrifices of his family and his own unwavering determination. Ocon’s career began in karting at a young age, and his talent quickly propelled him through the ranks of junior formulae, eventually leading to a Formula One debut in 2016.
Esteban Ocon parents
Esteban’s parents, Laurent and Sabrina Ocon, played an instrumental role in his ascent to Formula One, sacrificing their own stability to support his racing ambitions. Laurent, a mechanic by trade, owned a garage in Évreux, which served as the family’s primary source of income. Sabrina, of Algerian and Spanish descent, shared a passion for motorsport, having been involved in go-kart racing herself, while Laurent had experience as a rally driver. Their shared love for racing ignited when they met at a go-kart track, and this passion was passed on to their only child, Esteban.
When Esteban showed promise in karting at the age of four and a half, Laurent and Sabrina made the extraordinary decision to sell their family home, which included Laurent’s garage, to fund his burgeoning career. The family lived in a caravan, traveling across Europe to race circuits, with Laurent often serving as Esteban’s mechanic, logistics manager, and engineer. This nomadic lifestyle, described by Sabrina as their “mobile chateau,” was a testament to their commitment, as they parked outside Esteban’s school during the week and headed to races on weekends. Despite financial struggles and the high costs of motorsport, Laurent and Sabrina shielded Esteban from stress, allowing him to focus solely on racing.
Career
Ocon’s motorsport journey began in 2006 with karting, where he quickly demonstrated his potential by finishing eighth in the French Minime Championship. He went on to win the championship in 2007 and claimed the French Cadet Championship in 2008. By 2010, he secured the French KF3 title and finished as runner-up in the WSK Euro Series in 2011, behind future rival Max Verstappen. At 14, Ocon was signed by Gravity Sports Management, a sister company of the Renault F1 team, marking a pivotal step toward professional racing. In 2012, he transitioned to single-seater racing, competing in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, and by 2013, he finished third in the championship with ART Junior Team. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he won the European Formula 3 Championship, beating Verstappen, and followed it with the GP3 Series title in 2015.
Ocon’s Formula One debut came in 2016 with Manor Racing at the Belgian Grand Prix, replacing Rio Haryanto. In 2017, he joined Force India, where he scored points consistently but faced challenges, including clashes with teammate Sergio Perez. Dropped by the rebranded Racing Point in 2018 in favor of Lance Stroll, Ocon spent 2019 as a reserve driver for Mercedes before returning to the grid with Renault (later Alpine) in 2020. His first podium came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, and in 2021, he claimed his maiden victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, a historic win for Alpine. Ocon remained with Alpine through 2024, achieving further podiums, including a third place at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix and a second at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix. In 2025, he moved to Haas, partnering with Oliver Bearman, aiming to build on his reputation as a tenacious midfield contender.
Accolades
Ocon’s career is adorned with significant achievements across various racing categories. In karting, he secured the French Minime Championship in 2007, the French Cadet Championship in 2008, and the French KF3 title in 2010. His single-seater success includes the 2014 European Formula 3 Championship, where he outpaced Max Verstappen, and the 2015 GP3 Series title. In Formula One, Ocon has achieved one race win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, one fastest lap at the 2024 United States Grand Prix, and four podiums, including second at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, third at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, second at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix, and another in 2024.
As of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, he has scored consistently, contributing to Alpine’s sixth-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. Ocon’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, such as his strategic win in Hungary and his defensive masterclass in Monaco, has earned him accolades like the Driver of the Day award at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. Despite setbacks, including a record five penalties at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, Ocon’s resilience and skill have cemented his status as one of Formula One’s most promising talents.