Ocon Discloses Las Vegas Illness Prompting 2024 Adjustments
French Alpine team driver Esteban Ocon recently revealed his plans to adjust his preparations for the 2024 Formula 1 season, sharing details of his ill health during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. At the end of last season, management was forced to rethink its approach to ensure a healthy 2024.
During the week of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ocon fell ill and was unable to attend the event’s media day. Although he competed in the final two races, he ended the season under a cloud as he needed time to rest and recover due to a grueling calendar of 22 races throughout the year.
In a recent interview, Ocon shared his plans to avoid a repeat of that debacle in 2024. He says he’s taking a different approach to fitness, recognizing the importance of staying healthy in a demanding sport like Formula 1.
The driver explained that his illness during the Grand Prix in Las Vegas was due to intense contact with people during the event and not being exposed to sunlight for several days. Okon joked that he hoped to fight all diseases in the winter of 2024 and strengthen his immune system throughout the year.
In addition, Ocon spoke about the difficult conditions for the 2023 season finale, with the Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix taking place on consecutive weekends. The 12-hour time difference between events, combined with F1’s already extensive schedule, can have a negative impact on their health and contribute to paddock fatigue.
The driver expressed concern over F1’s record 24-race schedule in 2023. He questioned whether the human body, even trained to F1 standards, could endure multiple races without adequate recovery time.
“There are many factors that can overload the human body,” Okon said in an interview in Abu Dhabi. He notes that results are often seen when drivers return home after a busy season.
Ultimately, Esteban Ocon’s findings provide valuable insight into the physical challenges of Formula 1 drivers. His search for adjustments to his training highlighted the importance of carefully balancing competitive intensity to ensure consistent performance throughout the competition.
