This is an incredible statistic that should make Esteban Ocon smile, who stood out last weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Brazilian Grand Prix was the scene of many surprises, between the meteoric comeback of Max Verstappen, who started 17th to finish victorious, and the unexpected double podium of the French drivers from the Alpine team.
Beyond these performances, Esteban Ocon signed a surprising statistical feat which testifies to his consistency and his talent despite a complicated season for Alpine.
Ocon at the head of the race, a rarity in the 2024 season
While finishing second behind Verstappen, Esteban Ocon led the race for several laps in Brazil. His strategic choice worked in his favor: when the rain increased in intensity on the Interlagos circuit, Ocon chose to stay on the track with intermediate tires, unlike some of his competitors. This decision allowed him to hold the lead for 14 laps, before the red flag temporarily halted the race.
These leading laps are all the more significant as, despite the difficulties encountered by Alpine this season, Ocon managed to remain among the frontrunners against the most successful teams of 2024.
A figure that exceeds that of Sergio Pérez in 2024
What makes this statistic even more impressive is the comparison to Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez. With his 14 laps in the lead, Esteban Ocon has led more laps in the race than Pérez, who has only one lap in the lead in a Grand Prix this year. This contrast is stark, as Red Bull are one of the most dominant teams in the field, while Alpine have often struggled at the back of the grid.
This performance illustrates Pérez's struggles this season, as well as the opportunities that drivers like Ocon can seize when conditions are unusual and favor bold strategies.
The only driver outside the top 4 to lead a Grand Prix
Esteban Ocon also fits into another impressive category: he is the only driver, outside of the top teams, to have led a Grand Prix in 2024. This fact highlights the talent and potential of the Norman driver, who manages to stand out in a season where competitiveness is fierce and performances are often dominated by a few teams.
For Alpine, this double podium and the laps led by Ocon represent a breath of fresh air and a source of inspiration for the future. This result shows that with strategy, perseverance, and a little luck, moments of glory are possible, even in a difficult season. Fans of Ocon and the French team can hope that this performance serves as a springboard for future success.
