Perez suspects year out of F1 could hurt Ocon

  • Published on 17 Jan 2019 14:08
  • comments 3
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Sergio Perez says that Esteban Ocon's 2019 season on the sidelines could hurt his future prospects. The Mercedes junior failed to find a seat for the upcoming campaign after he was told he would be replaced at Racing Point by Lance Stroll, whose father now controls the team.

Ocon held talks with McLaren and Renault, however both backed out of potential deals, discouraged by the Frenchman's links to Mercedes. This year, he will work closely with the Silver Arrows, and is expected to be present at most Grands Prix.

The former Manor and Force India driver will be eyeing up a Mercedes seat for the 2020 season with Valtteri Bottas out of contract, but Perez, who spent two years as Ocon's teammate, says that a lot can happen over the course of a season.

"Definitely. It definitely can hurt him more than it can benefit him," he said to Autosport. "Formula 1 is evolving so much year by year. You never know what the future will hold.

"He is in a great position with Mercedes. He definitely deserves a seat in Formula 1, he is one of the best drivers in this sport. But I think a year out of this can change so much.  Maybe he comes back and drives for Mercedes, but you never know what the future will hold. So, it is a risky move."

Perez, who has partnered some highly regarded drivers such as Kamui Kobayashi, Jenson Button and Nico Hulkenberg, says that Ocon is in "that group", but concedes that he needs to mature going forward.

"I rate quite highly all my team-mates," said Perez. "They are all different. But the one that I rate the most is Hulkenberg and I think Esteban is there, he is in that group. I think he is lacking some maturity still, but I think that will come with the time."

Replies (3)

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  • It could, but it likely wont when daddy Wolff is on board. If Bottas wont run along like a good boy, he'll just swap in Ocon. As long as daddy Wolff do support Ocon, that is. An unreliable support, looking back at the likes of Wehrlein...

    • + 0
    • Jan 17 2019 - 18:16
  • xoya

    Posts: 583

    If Bottas doesn't start winning, Ocon is looking at half-a-season break.

    • + 0
    • Jan 18 2019 - 08:33
    • websurfer

      Posts: 52

      "If Bottas doesn't start winning,...." LOL.
      Team orders have prevented him from winning more times. Bottas is a first class team mate for Hamilton. :)

      • + 0
      • Jan 18 2019 - 19:25

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