'We've Built Super Strong Generation' Says Ocon

Wednesday, 27 December 2023 at 20:00

Alpine Formula One driver Esteban Ocon acknowledged the success of all his rivals from the rookie series and suggested his generation has become 'super strong.'

A big portion of the Formula One grid in the 2023 season is made up of one generation of drivers. Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen are all 26-27 years old.

Esteban Ocon recently told RacingNews365 that it is tough for him to watch Verstappen and Leclerc compete for the race wins while he struggles with his car in the middle of the grid as he used to beat them on multiple occasions in rookie series.

"I've been growing up with these guys who are leading all the time; Charles and Max. I know what I'm capable of."

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The grid has always been packed with talent and not even all the Formula 2 Champions make it to F1. Therefore, it is quite incredible that so many drivers from the same generation are now in Formula 1.

"I never actually thought we would all make it to Formula 1, and that's probably why we succeeded because if you start to see yourself up there, it's not a good thing."

Ocon suggested it has been the ever-increasing competition between these top drivers that allowed each of them to progress further and further.

"Maybe it has played a part that we were all together and pushed each other in the go-karts. We've built a super strong generation, and it's good to see we are all up here."

Ocon mentioned not even all the strong drivers he used to race in the rookie series made it to F1 and they still win Championships in other series like Porsche Cup.

"When I look at all the categories, how many drivers are professionals and have had successes? It's crazy, and I've raced against them in go-karts. It was a very strong field of generation, and I'm proud to have been part of it."