Esteban Ocon is eager for the chance to go wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen in Formula 1 on equal terms, hoping for a true showdown with his old rival in the future. Their recent battle at the Brazilian Grand Prix marked the first time the two have faced off on the track since their notorious 2018 clash in Interlagos, where a heated moment saw Ocon spin Verstappen out of the lead while trying to unlap himself—an incident that led to a fiery confrontation between the two.
The 2024 Brazilian GP presented a different scene. Verstappen, after a challenging start from P17 due to a tough qualifying session, charged through the field with ease, thanks to his new engine. By lap 45, following a safety car restart, Verstappen was overtaking both Alpines, with Ocon praising his fierce racing spirit and skill. Reflecting on their rivalry, Ocon explained, “Everyone thinks we hate each other, but we don’t. I can appreciate that he races really hard. It’s very straightforward and it all depends on who crosses the finish line first. With Max, there’s no bullshit.”
Ocon admitted frustration over never having had a fair chance to compete against Verstappen at the front. “I’m really annoyed that I haven’t been able to fight him yet in my Formula 1 career. We’re always in a different car, at a different level, which will hopefully change,” Ocon said. “I hope that in the future we can compete at the front, because in my first years at international level Max was clearly my biggest competitor.”
Acknowledging Verstappen’s relentless work ethic, Ocon expressed respect for the Dutch driver’s dedication and grit, which he believes are critical to Verstappen’s ongoing success. “He works his butt off every race. He takes pole positions, even with a car that is not the fastest at the moment.”
As Verstappen’s win in Brazil snapped a 210-day winless streak, he further widened his lead in the championship, underscoring his role as a formidable force in F1. While Ocon and Alpine may not yet be in a position to challenge Red Bull, Ocon remains hopeful that the future will bring an opportunity to reignite this rivalry on equal ground.
