Ocon has no regrets despite likely F1 exit
- Published on 20 Sep 2018 12:15
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Esteban Ocon says that he has no regrets as his Formula 1 career is set to come to halt after the 2018 season. The Frenchman will likely leave Force India to be replaced by Lance Stroll, whose father purchased the team over the summer break.
Ocon was linked to both Renault and McLaren for 2019, however both deals fell through as they opted to sign Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris respectively. The 22-year-old has raced for Force India since the start of 2017 season, scoring points on a regular basis.
"I am disappointed that other factors are taking precedence over results," Ocon told France's Auto Hebdo. "I'm disappointed that two months ago we had two strong options and we have nothing today."
With Ocon's career being managed by Mercedes, the F1 boss of the Silver Arrows Toto Wolff is "100% confident" that Ocon will have a future career in F1. But for now, it appears that he will have to sit on the sidelines.
"If I did it again, I wouldn't change any of the decisions made," he said. "I've gone through it 100 times in my head and I always come to the conclusion that based on the information we had, we made the right decision. It was impossible to see how things would turn against me as they did.
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Replies (9)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Why on earth should he have to go though, when mediocre stuff like Stroll and Ericsson get to stay? I already know the answer of course, but I still call bellend on this.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
So, there are some spheres of influence in F1, locking drivers within, and contracts acting as impenetrable membranes of incompetance of FIA.
kratos
Posts: 4
Losing Ocon a prime year of F1 because of politics and poor youth development path (not growth) by Mercedes really must a damper on their spectacular season. You surely can't kick Bottas out now with the type of team harmony you have, and Merc don't want to cough up the cash for that Williams seat. What a crappy situation for Ocon.
Alonzo
Posts: 66
It is unfair and sucks for Ocon, but Merc is messing this up for him, Toto said that people don't have the balls to sing him, he should look in a mirror, if he is so good (Ocon), why didn't Merc give him a seat? the answer is simple, they did not want to deal with Bottas leaving and him not willing to "protect" Lewis' and be his No. 2 in the middle of a Championship season... But they don't want to let Ocon go either, so there you go.... My 2 Cents.
Alonzo
Posts: 66
Now the rumor is that G Russel to Williams... Why not Ocon?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I think the answer is clear. Ocon while a solid driver was not considered to be good enough for a Mercedes seat. Russell is ranked more highly by Mercedes. Why not release Ocon you ask? Because he's a sunk cost. A lot was invested in him. Why let him go when he could be backup if Merc needed him or sell him for good money to a proper team that actually pays its drivers (i.e. Not Williams)
Danimal5981
Posts: 522
I think, Bottas needs to deliver for the last 6 races this season and the first 6 races next season. If not, he very well might be replaced by Ocon who will be announced as the Mercedes reserve if he doesn't find a race seat. France GP 2019 sees Ocon making his debut for Mercedes, mark my words.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Bottas is delivering what he was hired for.
Norbert
Posts: 108
William's deserves Ocon. I don't see that they were ever paid back for giving up Bottas. He was a marked loss for the team.
Sirotkin has been seen racing cars that have lapped him. He needs to expand his engineering skills as test driver. This is not racing school. Emphasizing driver endorsements brings this to the level of a demonstration sport. The car is what rightfully brings money.
Kubica has shown he is 0.3 seconds faster everywhere, plus experience strengthens his race craft but he needs to up his game rap. Dry polish grave humour is being taken out of context and doesn’t translate well in western media. Talk up himself and Williams.
Get in on a contract with Russell so he may be with Williams in 2020. But wherever Russell goes, Williams should have a piece of the action.
The car needs to gain +1 sec and this can be done season over season with understanding and engineering. Get AC Propulsion to help design a better charge controller. For aero, stop playing at being Burt Rutans' and go back to the egg (but don’t stay there).