Renault F1's Newest Recruit

While Australians get to frolic in the F1 pond once every season with the Melbourne GP, for the rest of the year, seeing a Formula 1 Superstar in the wild without travelling to the other ends of the earth is a rare occurrence. Despite us sharing the same home town as the Honey Badger himself, meeting the smiling assassin at a local track or café is as about a rare a moment as they come.

So while on holiday in Europe and enjoying Paris’ Le Champs Elysée from a prime seat of a Hop-on Hop-off bus, I saw Renault Atelier hosting an event where fans could meet and greet their newest recruit, Esteban Ocon.

Ocon is no rookie to F1, following a few introductory drives with Manor F1 team, he was quickly promoted to a seat at Force India where the young Frenchman showed off his skills becoming one of the sport’s most consistent drivers. However, after two years, the momentum of his career drew to a sudden stop after losing his 2019 seat to Lance Stroll after the ensuing events of Force India’s takeover and reincarnation as the newly managed Racing Point - (or still Force India if your name is Crofty).

So while the 2019 Formula 1 circus continued on without everyone’s favourite Frenchman, Ocon - who was also a member of Mercedes Benz driver program - found a seat as the Silver Arrows F1 test and reserve driver; spending a lot of seat time developing their cars and playing promotional playboy. While I am sure this is a dream for many, Ocon’s experience and skill behind the wheel of a high powered open wheeler greatly exceeds this role, with many seeing this ‘gap year’ as a small hiccup in the Frenchman’s career.

Joyfully, Ocon now returns to Formula 1 replacing the seat left by Nico Hulkenberg, to pair up with Australia’s shoey-drinking honey badger; Daniel Ricciardo. The event at Renault Atelier was Ocon’s chance to meet and thank all his loyal fans that have stood by his career from day one.

When entering the grand hall of Renault Atelier, fans were greeted with a goodie bag and a number of displays from a V8 era F1 car, merchandise, simulation racers, classic Renault baguette-van or futuristic concept cars. There was even a cloaked present with a note to Estaban from Santa that looked remarkably like a top-spec Megane R.S Trophy.

Now due to the current Paris socio-political climate at the time, there were severe strikes countrywide which largely included public transport. Unfortunately this affected the main man’s arrival time by a few hours. But it made the arrival even more special when Ocon finally entered the building. Being the only Australian at the event, it was noticeable the support the Parisians had for their countryman, and the rollercoaster career of Ocon’s exit and return to the sport was passionately felt by all that attended. 

Their pride for their fellow frenchman was passionately felt, but standing in the F1 grand hall of a French racing team made it all the more special and could be felt by the fans. You can only imagine the riot that would follow from the Tifosi if a local Bolognian butcher joined Ferrari as a driver. 

So why do they love Ocon so much? Whether it is his insane skill and experience, or perhaps it is the story of how he climbed into the sport with dignity and grace. But perhaps one of the biggest reasons is he is a genuinely lovely individual. Ocon loves his fans as much as they love him and despite his busy calendar and the clear number of people at the event he was eager to spend time with every one of them and not just answer Q&A’s but have conversations with the fans.

Overall the event was great fun and more so a sigh of relief to see one of the sport’s most gifted young talent return to a well-deserved seat. We can’t wait for the launch of the new RS.20 car come February 12th and to see Ocon wearing the French marque’s colours with pride.

And yes I am aware of my terrible lob-sided moustache, it felt European at the time…