Ocon hoping F1 future will be sorted 'very soon'
- Published on 18 Jun 2019 16:44
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Mercedes reserve driver Esteban Ocon is hoping that his Formula 1 future can be sorted in the near future.
The Frenchman is watching on from the sidelines this year after losing his seat at Force India (now called Racing Point) at the end of the 2018 season.
Ocon was in talks with both Renault and McLaren last year before they both went for separate options, with McLaren and Toro Rosso admitting his Mercedes links made him an unattractive prospect.
Ocon says that he is working with Mercedes to ensure that he is racing in F1 in 2020, however it is not clear where he may end up.
"Our goal, not only mine, is to get back in the car as soon as possible," Ocon told Autosport.
"At the moment my whole management, including Toto, is working for me to get back in a race seat next year and I think discussions are already starting."
As for when the plans will be confirmed, Ocon said: "I think as soon as possible, that would be great. That would be the best.
"I hope my future will be sorted very, very soon. I trust the people around me to do a good job and that's the only thing I can do."
Ocon has helped Mercedes to 'perform properly'
At Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has a year remaining on his contract, while the Silver Arrows has an option on Valtteri Bottas to extend the deal to the end of the 2020 season.
Ocon, who is undertaking simulator work for Mercedes this year, believes the team is benefitting from his work.
"It's been a good year of work," he said. "I think what we've done at the simulator, me coming then to the races having some good information from it, has helped the team to perform properly.
"It helps them quite a lot to perform, so it's going well. Being part of this fantastic team, you always learn a lot of stuff. The knowledge they have is priceless.
"They've won since the hybrid era started so they have so much knowledge."
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Replies (7)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
Does he deserve an winning seat? I'd say he is depended on other drivers an their movements. Is Bottas doing enough to keep him out of the seat.
Sadtomato
Posts: 48
Trouble is 'sorted' might mean kubicas seat at team Willy.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Probably the most likely bet. Don't think Racing Point will take him back but Williams might not have the budget, but if memory serves Ocon is free of his Mercedes option contract next year.
Kean
Posts: 692
I know Perez beat him on points last year, but to me Ocon was the faster driver. Perez's racecraft might be better but that comes with maturity, Ocon will get there I'm sure. He deserves a seat, no doubt. But Bottas is doing a great job, so I think Mercedes is trying the following in this order: 1) Trying to get Ocon in Perez's seat (problem Carlos Slim's money), 2) Trying to get Ocon in Grosjean's or Giovinazzi's seat (problem his Mercedes link, they might have to sever that one), 3) If Hülkenberg moves willingly somewhere else, then they'll be knockin' on Abiteboul's door. If all else fails they'll go to Williams.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
I'd like to see him at HAAS.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Me too. Out of all the viable options that one would be the best for him in my opinion. I feel that either Magnussen or Grosjean could easily leave. Neither has performed consistently at a high level.
xoya
Posts: 583
I was so excited about Ocon. I finally had someone to root for when Alonso retires, then Brazil happened and he vanished.
Hope he gets a seat and kicks some ass. :)