F1 Rumour: Esteban Ocon Linked To Audi Move

It has been reported that Esteban Ocon has been linked to a move to Audi in 2026.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, the driver market is swirling with speculations with 14 driver contracts coming up for expiration. One of the most recent rumours in the link between Esteban Ocon and Audi in 2026. 

Key Features

• Turbulent Times for Alpine: With both Pierre Gasly and Ocon's contracts nearing their end, Alpine is at a crucial crossroads, balancing team harmony against a backdrop of recent performance downturns and leadership changes.
• Alpine's Performance Woes: Slipping from 4th to 6th in the constructors' standings in 2023, Alpine has shown signs of struggle, lagging behind teams like McLaren and Aston Martin who are in transitional phases. This decline, coupled with the departure of key figures such as Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane, raises questions about the team's future prospects.
• The Ocon-Audi Rumor: Amidst the swirling market rumours, there's talk of Audi, poised to join F1 in 2026, showing interest in Esteban Ocon. This rumour, yet unconfirmed, hints at a significant potential shift for Ocon, who might consider the move from a midfield team like Alpine to a new entrant like Audi.

Alpine F1 Instagram

The driver market for Formula 1's 2024 season is a hotbed of rumours, with one of the most intriguing being the alleged link between Esteban Ocon and Audi. 

As the new racing season draws near, the situation at Alpine is precarious. Both Ocon and Gasly are nearing the end of their current contracts, and despite some success on the track, the team's overall performance has been less than stellar. Alpine's fall to 6th place in the 2023 standings, especially when compared to the progress of teams in similar situations, has cast doubts on their competitive future.

In the midst of this, the rumour of Audi's interest in Ocon adds a layer of intrigue. Audi, set to enter F1 in 2026, is reportedly eyeing Ocon, a move that, if true, would represent a significant gamble for the driver. 

Audi is due to join the sport in 2026 with Sauber after the latter's title sponsorship with Stake comes to an end.