Between Gasly and Schumacher, Ocon has clearly made his choice

Who will be the teammate ofEsteban Ocon in Alpine in 2023? This is the question everyone is asking. Fernando Alonso already promised a future at Aston Martin, the arrowed A is looking for his successor. If she still hopes to win the showdown against Oscar piastri who signed a contract with McLaren, the Dieppe firm is logically studying other avenues in the event of failure before the CRB (FIA Contract Recognition Board). Among these, two have gained momentum in recent days while the name of Daniel Ricciardo returned with insistence initially: Pierre Gasly et Mick Schumacher.

Schumacher, Ocon's No. 1 choice

Selected among the drivers invited to appear before the press on the sidelines of the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, Esteban Ocon did not escape questions concerning the identity of his future teammate. “ I know everything ! he first joked as rumors regarding the 2^e tub Alpine are going well. There has been a lot of turmoil since the announcement of Fernando's departure. I'm sure the team will make the right choice no matter who sits next to me. »

But among the choices that seem to present themselves to him, is there one for which he would have a certain inclination? Quite ! “ If I had anything to say, my choice would be Mick in case he doesn't have anything confirmed for next year, admitted the Norman, seated as if by chance right next to the German at the press conference. The two friends had also arrived in front of the journalists in full discussion and all smiles. Mick is a very good friend of mine. If I can help it, there's no problem for me », added the native of Évreux when asked the reasons for such a preference. An awkwardness which did not go unnoticed and pushed Ocon to put forward more solid arguments.

“He has demonstrated that he has talent at the highest level as well as in promotional formulas. He has proven to be fast. Sometimes, in F1, it is difficult to shine with a car that is rather behind. I experienced it when I started in F1. I am convinced that he can shine easily with a competitive car in his hands and at the moment theAlpine ballast. However, these are just my words, the decision is not up to me, but to the team who are aware of my preference »

Gasly for a 100% tricolor duo?

And Pierre Gasly in all this? Since the restart in Belgium a week ago, the name of the current driver Alpha Tauri, already confirmed for 2023, appears as an increasingly serious alternative for the leaders ofAlpine, tempted by the idea of ​​lining up a 100% French duo in a French car. A prospect which seemed to enchant Esteban Ocon a little less, more reserved and evasive towards his compatriot when responding to the media.

« No matter which driver is next to me, the most important thing for me will be to guide the team in the best possible way, with the development of the car., … he said at first.

There must be a good atmosphere between the two drivers. Pierre and I have a good relationship. There is no problem between us and we respect each other. Whoever is next to me, I know the team will have made the best possible choice to make it work.."

Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon soon reunited? ©DPPI/A. Vincent

To hear it, Esteban Ocon would have already signed the pilot contract Alpine to Mick Schumacher for 2023. However, the final decision will not fall to the Norman who seemed less open to a collaboration with Pierre Gasly, the two men being known for not being the best of friends.

It is up to the leaders of the Blues to make the right choice from now on to continue to move the team forward as Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso have been able to do over the last two seasons. But the decision will necessarily depend on the verdict rendered by the FIA ​​CRB concerning the validity of the contract signed by the reservist Alpine Oscar Piastri with McLaren.

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