"Apparently only Iris and I wake up super early": Esteban Ocon shares adorable post wishing everyone Merry Christmas

Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon shared a series of pictures of himself and his cat as he wished a Merry Christmas to his followers on social media. It has been a difficult year for the French driver given that he ended his five-year association with the Alpine F1 team at the end of the 2024 season.

Ending the year on a high, courtesy of his P2 finish at the 2024 Brazilian GP, Ocon was in a joyous mood about the festivities as he posted a series of pictures with his cat named Iris whilst wishing everyone a merry Christmas on Instagram, saying:

"Apparently only Iris and I wake up super early on Christmas morning… 😅🐈‍⬛ Meow-ery Christmas everybody!"

The 2021 Hungarian GP winner had to end his tenure with the Enstone-based outfit at a race early in Qatar if he had to participate in a post-season test with his new employer Haas F1.

In his farewell message for the team members at Enstone and Viry, the French driver reflected on his inability to thank everyone in person and race for one last time in Abu Dhabi due to contractual issues. He said, via F1.com:

“I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Chatillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.

“I leave Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to the sport, climbing the top two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil."

Esteban Ocon gives his reaction on joining Haas F1 in 2025

Esteban Ocon stated that he was "thrilled" to be joining the Haas F1 team from the 2025 season on a multi-year deal as he believed the American team was on an upward trajectory.

On the team's official website, the 28-year-old praised the qualities of the team and said:

“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my Formula 1 career and join MoneyGram Haas F1 Team from the start of the 2025 season. I’ll be joining a very ambitious racing team, whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory has really impressed me.

"I’d like to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for their trust and support, and for our honest and fruitful discussions these last few months."

Esteban Ocon will be joined by Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman on a full-time basis in the American team from next year. The five-time podium sitter finished his final year with Alpine with 23 points and claimed P14 in the driver's standings.