Ocon says he has “great opportunities” to return in 2020

We had been waiting for it for several months, the confirmation came this Thursday in Abu Dhabi: Esteban Ocon will not be on the grid next year.

The Frenchman from Force India still had a slim hope of joining Williams, motorized stable by Mercedes of which he has been part of the young pilot program since 2015.

The Grove stable ultimately preferred to bring back Robert Kubica full-time to support George Russell, another protégé of the star brand. Ocon, for his part, will be replaced by Lance stroll, coming from Grove.

After his 50th start in F1 this weekend at Yas Marina, Ocon is preparing to experience a white season, undoubtedly as a Mercedes and Force India reserve. But the Norman, who was heading towards Renault with the blessing of the German manufacturer in the heart of summer before the surprise transfer of Daniel Ricciardo doesn't turn everything upside down, claims to have serious touches for the following year.

“We’ll see what the near future has in store for me., replied the native of Évreux when asked about his 2019 program. I plan to stay as much as possible in the world of the F1 paddock, and will do everything to get as much mileage as possible behind the wheel of an F1. Mercedes and I see great opportunities to return in 2020.

I hope that will be the case and that I will come back even stronger than I am now. I have no guarantees but as I just said, great opportunities”.

Renewed for 2019 earlier in the season at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas only has one option for the following season. An opening at Renault cannot be ruled out, the contract of Nico Hulkenberg ending at the end of next season. After 2016 and 2018, the third time would be the right one between the French driver and the Losange.