Ferrari TP Fred Vasseur paid $1mn to launch Esteban Ocon’s F1 career

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur personally contributed $1mn to help Esteban Ocon secure his Formula 1 debut in 2016, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Wolff explained that Ocon needed $2mn to join Manor Racing for the final nine races of the 2016 season.

Mercedes agreed to cover half the cost, but the remaining funds were unavailable until Vasseur stepped in.

«Fred put the money in personally to give Esteban the opportunity,» Wolff said.

Ocon had joined Mercedes’ junior programme in 2015 and won the GP3 championship that year with Vasseur’s ART Grand Prix team, securing 14 podiums in 18 races.

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Despite his success, the Frenchman initially struggled to find an F1 seat. He briefly competed in the DTM touring car championship before an opportunity emerged at Manor when Rio Haryanto lost his place because of funding problems.

With financial support from Mercedes and Vasseur, Ocon made his F1 debut at the Belgian Grand Prix in August 2016.

Ocon’s F1 future in doubt after Haas exit

Wolff’s revelation comes as Ocon faces an uncertain future following his dismissal from Haas after a dispute with team principal Ayao Komatsu at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The French driver lost his seat for the remainder of the 2026 season, with Brazilian rookie Rafael Câmara taking over at São Paulo.

Vasseur declined to comment on the circumstances of Ocon’s departure but expressed sympathy for his former driver.

«It’s a shame for Esteban because I think he’s a pure competitor,» Vasseur said, adding that Ocon deserved respect for his efforts throughout his career.

Wolff acknowledged that Komatsu had the authority to dismiss the driver, arguing that the Haas boss needed to protect his team.

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Ocon’s options for 2027 appear limited. Cadillac’s second seat remains a possible route back onto the grid, although Motorsport.com reports that he is more likely to take a reserve driver role at Aston Martin.

The 30-year-old has competed in Formula 1 since 2016, claiming his only Grand Prix victory with Alpine in Hungary in 2021.