Esteban Ocon says he and Alpine can now fully focus on performance in the wake of committing to each other through at least the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Ocon had a long history with the outfit, stretching back to his days as a junior in the early 2010s, and re-joined as race driver ahead of the 2020 campaign.
Ocon’s initial deal was set to expire at the end of 2021 but on Wednesday Alpine announced that a new three-year contract has been agreed between the parties.
“Yeah, it feels good, it is a weight off the shoulders I would say, so I can only focus on the performance and what matters now, [as] the rest is secured,” he said.
“I’ve felt good with the team, well integrated, the atmosphere is fantastic and we’re working nicely.
“Obviously we have a great chance of doing good things next year with the new regulations so it’s definitely a perfect place for me to be staying.
“It’s the longest deal I’ve ever had in motorsport in my whole career. So coming from where I was a couple of years ago it is an awesome position to be in so I’m really pleased.”
Ocon has previously been affiliated with Mercedes, having been supported by the manufacturer since 2015, which included spending the 2019 season as its reserve.
But he stressed that he is “completely a full Alpine driver for the next three years, that’s where I stand at the moment.
“For sure there is still connections with Mercedes but the job I’m doing is with Alpine, and fully Alpine, but there will be nothing and no interaction with the Mercedes Grand Prix team.”
