Esteban Ocon, Mercedes reserve driver, is hopeful of his future at Formula 1.
Ocon is very optimistic of his return to Formula 1 next season and the decision might be made “very, very soon”.
Ocon was engaged by Racing Point F1 team for a seat but unfortunately for him the team was taken over by Force India which ended his engagement with the team.
A consortium was led by Lawrence Stroll for this acquisition. Later Lance Stroll from Williams was taken on board by mutual transfer with long term Force India driver Sergio Perez.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, also showed hopes for Ocon to be placed on F1 seat in 2020. But he couldn’t mention which team would he be driving for.
Ocon pointed out that he is very much relaxed as Wolff and his management his working alongside to get him a seat for next season.
“Our goal, not only mine, is to get back in the car as soon as possible,” Ocon said while speaking to motorsport.
“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.
“I think [getting the plans confirmed] 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.”
Mercedes was working on the possibility of loaning Ocon to Renault. But unexpected move by the Ex Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo to switch his team to Renault this season.
This shows that Mercedes has not restricted itself to Mercedes-Engined F1 team. Rather they will be happy to get Ocon on any team to push his career.
Mercedes has understanding with Valtteri Bottas which they might continue for 2020, which left Ocon to fight for a seat on other teams.
Ocon was confident that his return to F1 grid would be stronger next year.
“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.
“When I will come back I will be more ready and even more complete as a driver.
“It’s a great chance that I have to be around with this team.”
