Esteban Ocon uses Max Verstappen example to air F1 frustration

Esteban Ocon has used the example of Max Verstappen's career to air a frustration about an opportunity he feels has been afforded to major F1 rivals. 

Ocon joined Haas in 2025 following five years at Renault/Alpine, where he scored a victory in fortunate circumstances at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. 

He also hauled three further podiums for the team, but it was not a regular front-runner with the Frenchman left to wait for chaotic or wet races to score big points. 

Ocon made his debut in 2016, arriving on the grid in a generation that produced the likes of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.

Verstappen has undoubtedly had the best career from the debutants of that era as he has consistently fought for race wins and championships, winning the last four titles.

But while Ocon has been forced to settle for midfield machinery, the 28-year-old is confident he will have his turn at the front of the field before hanging up his helmet.

"It is frustrating, yes, when I look back on all the other drivers of my generation, they've all had a shot at a race-winning car at one point," Ocon exclusively told RacingNews365. 

"I'm not going to say it was the whole year a race-winning car, but at one point, a race-winning car, constantly in Q3, constantly in the top five. 

"I'm probably the only one who's never really had the chance to drive one of these cars, but I believe with the right work ethic, how much I put into questioning myself, what I can do better. 

"The amount of work I put in, between the factory, the simulator, with the engineers, and doing a good job on track, it will eventually come at one point.”

Explaining his frustration at not being granted a shot in a regular race-winning car, Ocon also name-checked 2009 champion Jenson Button, who had to wait until 2006 before scooping his first win after largely bouncing around in the midfield, making the most of his sole chance at the title with Brawn. 

"You've seen that with other drivers, Jenson was a good example, and Carlos also, when he was younger, he had the chance [at Ferrari] which it looked like he wasn't going to have. 

"I believe it will come, otherwise, I wouldn't be here trying so hard. 

"It is good to be here fighting in the midfield, but my aim is to be fighting for wins, poles, and championships in the future, or championships at least once.

"But at the moment, it is not where we are, and we need to be doing the best to score points every race if we can."