F1 News

Ocon focused on improving in Hungary

Ocon raises concerns for Alpine ahead of Hungary: 'No guarantee'

17 July at 07:30
2
  • Sophia Crothall

Esteban Ocon has made it clear that Alpine must improve if they wish to be competitive in Hungary. The Frenchman, who leaves the team at the end of the season, is hopeful that the team can score points, as they battle with the increasingly tight midfield.

In 2023, neither Alpine driver finished the Hungarian Grand Prix. The pair hit each other at Turn 1 during the first lap, which forced them both to retire. This season though, Alpine are looking to succeed at the Hungaroring, and improve from their weekend at Silverstone. Pierre Gasly retired, whilst his teammate Ocon finished 16th and missed out on points.

Speaking to GPblog and others, Ocon revealed how important it is for the team to get it right this weekend, "We need to optimise everything for us to be able to fight with the other guys. We need to be perfect on every single decision. Optimise the car setup because otherwise, we're outside the top 10," he said.

How does Ocon expect Alpine to perform?

As of now, Alpine sit eighth in the Constructors, just five points ahead of Williams, but 18 points behind Haas, who have been having a good season. They are now only four points behind Visa Cash App RB after two P6 finishes by Nico Hulkenberg. Their performance has not gone unnoticed by the Frenchman either, "They've been  improving a lot, which is for sure an example for every other team of how they're doing it at the moment," he said.

Nevertheless, Alpine hope that their car will suit the Hungarian track well this weekend if they wish to remain competitive. "We should have the capability to be fighting for good things. But there is no guarantee because after this weekend [British Grand Prix], it really shows that we need to do everything perfectly. Otherwise, we are not there," he concluded.