Ocon Names Two Most Naturally Talented Drivers On F1 Grid Besides Himself

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 at 15:15

Alpine Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon named the two racers he believes to be the most talented on the current F1 grid.

Alpine's Esteban Ocon appeared on the most recent episode of the High-Performance Podcast. In addition to discussing topics like his parents' sacrifice, childhood comfort, fighting for a seat in F1 with Max Verstappen, and the 2023 season, Ocon also discussed the most talented drivers on the grid.

The Frenchman was asked by the host of the podcast - Jake Humphrey, which drivers apart from him he believes to be most naturally talented. The 27-year-old responded:

"Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. I've raced with them, well with Charles since 2005, [and] Max 2010 and it doesn't matter what the conditions were, we were always neck and neck or in the top three always. So, them."

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The two drivers are pretty much in the same age category as Ocon. Both Leclerc and Verstappen are 26 now. Though the Frenchman describes he was always equally matched with the two, he was less lucky when it came to getting a contract in F1.

The Monegasque and the Dutchman are currently racing for the two best teams on the grid and have shared the front row during the last five Grand Prix races.

Ocon, on the other hand, has been with Alpine for five seasons now, and the team currently has the worst car of all in the Championship.

The 27-year-old admitted that, ahead of the season, it feels painful for him to watch guys that he knows he can beat achieve podiums while he struggles in the midfield or even further behind.

On a positive note, Ocon also said he believes they built a very strong generation together with Leclerc and Verstappen. Could he perhaps compete with them in somewhat equal machinery in the future? That remains to be seen as his contract with Alpine expires at the end of this season.