The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix will go down as one of the most exciting races of modern times. The race had everything and was bizarre, as well as fun from beginning to end. It also produced an unlikely winner in Esteban Ocon, who won his first race in F1.

We could sense the happiness and the euphoria of the win in Ocon’s voice as he took the chequered flag in Mogyoród. He kept his calm and led the entire race after Hamilton had to pit for slicks right after the restart. He showed amazing composure in holding off the 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel throughout the race.

Esteban Ocon reflects on his Hungary win

During his interview with GQ, the Alpine driver revealed how his life has changed post-Hungary. He mentioned he celebrated with his trophy and got a lot of confidence from his triumph.

When asked if the win changed his life, the French driver cheekily replied,” No. But I woke up and had a pair of slippers [next to my bed] that said “Winner” on them. No—that’s not true. That’s not true at all,” said Ocon.

He revealed that slept with his trophy in his bed. “Well, I kept it in bed, and then I let it go during the night. But yeah, I did. I think the win brought confidence in the fact that we are working in the right direction.

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“And I think that’s superb because there’s nothing more rewarding than working hard and seeing that it’s working,” said the Alpine driver.

It was quite a surreal moment for the French driver to take the first win in such circumstances. But he has started the 2022 season even better, so can he repeat the same feat this season?

Can the Alpine driver win in 2022?

The Alpine driver has started the 2022 season very well. He has scored 30 points from the first seven races of the season and has given some noteworthy performances in Saudi Arabia and Spain.

But it would be a tall order for him to get another win in the 2022 season. Although he might have arguably the 4th fastest car on the grid right now, he would need another race like Hungary, being at the right place at the right time to take the advantage.

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Yet there are opportunities in Formula 1 right now. If he continues his consistent performance in the season, he might attract the attention of a top team in the future. Hopefully, he will not have to wait for a second wind as long as he waited for his first.