WATCH: A young Esteban Ocon fan hugs him and refuses to leave his side in an adorable video

Former Alpine F1 driver Esteban Ocon was seen receiving a tight hug from a young fun who refused to leave him in an adorable video on social media. The French driver will start a new chapter in his career as he joins the Haas F1 team from the 2025 season after five years at the Enstone-based outfit.

Alpine, formerly Renault, gave the 28-year-old a way back into the sport after he sat out the 2019 season after two years with Force India. Ocon returned to F1 in 2020 replacing Nico Hulkenberg alongside Daniel Ricciardo and got a P2 at the Sakhir GP in his first year with them.

He added another four podiums to his name in as many years including a race win in Hungary 2021. In a video floating on social media, Esteban Ocon could be seen hugging a young fan, who refused to leave the F1 driver and got emotional. The Frenchman was not flustered by it, calmed down the youngster, and even signed his cap.

The five-time podium sitter has always been nice to the fans and devoted his time to them despite his reputation for being a tough driver on the track. In 2025, Ocon would join Haas and add new fans from the USA to his kitty.

Haas F1 team boss refutes reports of Esteban Ocon's lack of motivation ahead of joining

Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that Esteban Ocon has always been motivated and that was one of the main reasons for him signing the French driver on a multi-year deal.

As per Formula Rapida, the Japanese said:

“I think he’s always been really motivated anyway, that’s one of the big reasons why I signed him. He’s a really determined character and his work ethic is good – regardless of if the car is quick enough or slow.

“Like at the beginning of the 2024 season, when Alpine was absolutely nowhere, I think he was still putting lots of effort in to motivate the team, to try to move the team forward. I really respect that. So I don’t think motivation has ever been his problem."

While appearing in Autosport International 2025, Esteban Ocon's new teammate Oliver Bearman spoke highly of the former and said:

“I’m excited to see how I get on against him. Of course, he’s very fast. Everyone knows he’s very fast. He was actually racing in Prema, the same team that I raced in in Formula 2. So all of the engineers know him. They all tell me that he’s very quick. I’m going to have a good reference."

Esteban Ocon had an acrimonious split from Alpine and did not get a farewell race. He was dropped from the season finale last month because he wanted to drive in the post-season test for Haas in the few days after the race.