Can Ocon and Verstappen’s Rivalry Evolve into Respect?

Esteban Ocon backs rival Max Verstappen for the title, admiring his relentless, straightforward approach on the Formula 1 track.

Esteban Ocon harbors no issues with Max Verstappen, despite their tumultuous past on the track. In fact, the Alpine driver hopes the Dutchman clinches his fourth consecutive World Championship title in the coming three races.

Ocon has expressed admiration for Verstappen’s straightforward racing style and appreciates that there’s “no nonsense” when you go wheel-to-wheel with the Red Bull Racing star.

Ocon and Verstappen famously clashed back in 2018 at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen was leading comfortably, poised to win, until a collision with Ocon, who was driving for Force India at the time, altered the race’s course.

Ocon, who was attempting to un-lap himself, collided with the leader, a decision that left Verstappen seething. Six years later, the pair would find themselves sharing the podium on the very same Interlagos circuit, signalling the evolution of their relationship since that fateful day.

“People think we hate each other, but that’s far from the truth,” Ocon shared in an interview with Motorsport. Following the 2018 incident, tensions ran high, culminating in a push-and-shove encounter in the paddock. Yet, Ocon maintains that the respect between them has only grown. “I love how he races so hard. It’s direct and uncomplicated—no nonsense. With Max, it’s just about who crosses the line first, and I appreciate that about him.”

This year, Verstappen has employed that same “all or nothing” mindset in his battles with Lando Norris. Currently leading the championship by an impressive 62 points, Verstappen is all but assured the title. “From what I see, Max genuinely deserves it. He works relentlessly every race, pulling out pole positions even when his car isn’t necessarily the fastest. It’s still very quick, but not the top machine. So yes, I hope he takes the title, because he’s earned it,” Ocon said.

Despite his respect, Ocon still regards Verstappen as his chief rival. Once a rising star under Mercedes’ wing, Ocon never got the opportunity to join the German team on the Formula 1 grid, thereby missing out on direct competition with Verstappen. “It’s a bit disappointing, honestly,” he admitted. “I haven’t really had the chance to race against him in my Formula 1 career. We’re always in different positions, but I hope that changes. I’d love to battle him at the front.”

Yet, Ocon’s rivalry with Verstappen goes back further than Formula 1. The two first locked horns in karting, where Ocon came second to Verstappen in the WSK Championship. However, he took revenge by besting him in Formula 3. “I’d still name Max as my biggest rival, absolutely,” Ocon stated. Their journey has been woven with competitive encounters, and it’s clear that, while rivals on the track, both drivers harbour deep mutual respect off it.