Esteban Ocon: “You never know what the future holds in F1”

The promising beginnings ofEsteban Ocon with Manor in 2016 was followed by a first season as a starter with Force India marked by his numerous points finishes and his first rather muscular passes with his teammate Sergio Pérez.

Very consistent in 2017, the Normand, former FIA champion F3 then GP3 Series, experienced an up and down 2018 campaign, failing to match his best Grand Prix result (5th in Mexico) from the previous year. But it is above all the redemption by Lawrence Stroll of Force India, and a missed appointment with Renault, which prevented Ocon from being in a starting position on the grid in 2019.

Kept within the fold Mercedes-AMG as third driver, Esteban Ocon remains confident about his chances of finding a seat in 2020, and intends to give himself the means to achieve his objective.

“I will be present at all the Grands Prix. I need to stay up to date and informed of everything that's going on in case I have to come back at some point, tells us the native of Evreux. You never know what the future holds F1.

On the European rounds, I will be in the simulator after Free Practice 2 to test all the settings possibilities of the car and prepare it as best as possible for Lewis' qualification (Hamilton. Editor’s note) and Valtteri (Bottas. Editor’s note). Afterwards, I will fly on Saturday morning and arrive at the circuit that day. »

Despite offers to evolve outside of F1, Esteban Ocon remains 100% focused on the discipline. “I want to be world champion one day. This is my goal and my dream, continues the Frenchman.

Of course it's not great not to be competing this season, but I'm still focused on F1 and I think it's the right choice. Afterwards, if I don't find a steering wheel for 2020, I will have to turn to something because I have to continue working and get back on the track in races. »

Find our full interview with Esteban Ocon, in issue 2198 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on newsstands.