Here’s how the Ferrari boss helped save Esteban Ocon’s career with a $1 million boost!
Esteban Ocon’s F1 journey might seem like it’s coming to an end, but interestingly, it nearly never began without a special helping hand.
At a press conference during the Sao Paulo GP, Toto Wolff shared that Frederic Vasseur, now Ferrari’s team boss, played a key role in supporting Esteban early on.
This news comes after Ocon’s recent surprise exit from Haas during the Mexico City GP weekend, following a disagreement with the team over which tyre compounds he could use in practice. He was first replaced by their third driver Ryo Hirakawa for qualifying and the race, and then Rafael Camara—who’s set to join Haas full-time in 2027—took over for the rest of the season.
Ocon’s F1 career has certainly seen its ups and downs, including clashes with previous teams Force India and Alpine, plus teammates Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, and Pierre Gasly.
But his F1 career might not have even started if Vasseur hadn’t stepped in. Back in 2015, Ocon was winning the GP3 title with Vasseur’s ART team and looked promising, but things slowed down when he ended up at the back of the DTM championship in Germany.
Then came an opening at Manor F1, one of the smallest teams, after Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto was dropped. However, taking the seat came with a price: $2 million to secure it.
“We were ready to put in $1 million, but that first million was missing, and Fred put that money in himself to give Esteban the chance,” Wolff explained. “Everyone backed him over the years to give Esteban the best shot.”
Wolff also shared his understanding of Haas boss Ayao Komatsu’s decision to let Ocon go. “Ayao had to protect the team from some things happening, and Esteban felt he was right in what he said. In the end, the team principal decides when enough is enough, and that’s what Ayao did.”
Vasseur praised Esteban as well, saying, “It’s really a shame because he’s a true fighter. He’s given so much effort to stay in F1, and that deserves great respect.”
A quick look at Ocon’s career shows some highlights and struggles:
– Manor (2016): Despite the team’s struggles, he impressed by finishing 12th in Brazil.
– Force India/Racing Point (2017-2018): A strong 2017 saw him score points in 18 races, but tensions with teammate Sergio Perez made headlines. He left when the team was bought and rebranded.
– Renault/Alpine (2020-2024): Ocon grabbed his only win at the 2021 Hungarian GP but often found himself outperformed by teammates. Several clashes led to his eventual exit.
– Haas (2025-2026): He was generally outpaced by young teammate Ollie Bearman and was replaced for the 2027 season following his fallout in Mexico.
Ocon’s story shows just how unpredictable and challenging an F1 career can be, but he’s always been a fighter ready to seize opportunities when they come.