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Esteban Ocon has said that former rival Max Verstappen deserves his success, as he continues to stun the Formula One world.
The Frenchman beat Verstappen to the 2014 European Formula Three crown but it was Verstappen who won more races and made the leap to F1 straight away. Ocon meanwhile went on to become GP3 champion last year and is competing in DTM this season alongside F1 testing duties for Renault and Mercedes.
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Despite a frosty relationship between the pair during their F3 campaign, Ocon insists they get along well and he is proud to see Verstappen do so well.
"During the season we said nothing to each other and sometimes we seemed to hate each other, but after the season we forgive and forget," he said."He's doing a great job, I never doubted he would. He deserves it."
"That Max is doing so well now is good for young drivers. It means we might get more of a chance in F1, because it shows that age does not matter."
Although Verstappen made the jump to F1 at the beginning of 2015, Ocon believes he is ready to make the step up to the pinnacle of motorsport, amidst continued speculation linking him to Jolyon Palmer's under threat Renault seat.
"Yes, 100 per cent. I'll do anything to reach the highest level," said Ocon when asked if he is ready for F1.
"I know where I came from and how many sacrifices we have made and I do not want to miss my opportunity if it comes," he added.
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