Bob Fernley: "Ocon has same potential as Verstappen"

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley believes that Esteban Ocon has the same potential as Max Verstappen, who has already proven to possess race-winning ability.

Verstappen has repeatedly stolen headlines across his two years in Formula 1, with the biggest being his maiden victory in Spain last year, defying odds on the weekend he made his debut for Red Bull.

Verstappen and Ocon had a rivalry in 2014 when both fought for the Formula 3 European Championship - a battle in which Ocon came out victorious. Fernley also confirmed that Ocon is currently on a two-year deal with Force India.

"I absolutely do [believe he has the potential of Verstappen]. That's why we brought him on," Fernley told Sky F1. "He's with us for sure for two years and hopefully a little longer.

"We were very fortunate to be able to have a look at him early on in his career. At that time he dealt very well with the engineers, showed his promise on track and we were very optimistic that we could get him later.

"He's fitted in exceptionally well. It's always very difficult for a new driver to come in, especially when you've had consistency with somebody like Nico for so long. But Esteban has been an absolute delight, slotted straight in and it's like he's been with us forever."

Ocon's Force India career has started positively, as the Frenchman finished in the points in the opening two rounds of the 2017 championship in Australia and China. 

The 20-year-old is looking forward to racing in Bahrain this weekend, as it is a track that he has experience with, and doesn't have to learn it as much as he did at Melbourne and Shanghai - two tracks that were completely new to him.

“Bahrain is a fantastic track and I’m really looking forward to the first night race of the season. It’s a track I enjoy and I have a good history there – I was on pole position in GP3 in 2015 so I hope to have another strong performance.

“Sakhir is a hard circuit for tyres, brakes and engines, with big braking zones and long straights. It’s also testing for the driver because you have to keep hydrated as the weather can get really warm."

Fergal Walsh