Column: Why Esteban Ocon should leave Mercedes for Haas

Ocon's Formula 1 Career

Ocon has drove for two teams in Formula 1 previously - spending half a season at Manor Racing, and then the next two seasons at Force India (now Racing Point), before being controversially dropped of his seat, being replaced with Lance Stroll after his father saved Racing Point from administration.

Many thought the young French driver was harshly treated in the matter, being left with no seat in F1 for the 2019 season. Instead, Ocon decided to be Mercedes' simulation driver, with the intention of replacing the under-pressure Valtteri Bottas for the 2020 season.

However, Bottas started the season off well, winning two out of the first four races - leaving Ocon's chance of a 2020 seat with the Silver Arrows in serious doubt - but now the Finn hasn't won a race since Azerbaijan and is under immense pressure at Mercedes.

Why Ocon should leave Mercedes

Let's face it, the chances are that Bottas is going to remain at Mercedes for next season to partner Lewis Hamilton. Do Mercedes take the risk with Ocon, someone who hasn't competed in any form of motorsport for the past season?!

The Frenchman needs to get out on track and remind us what he can do. It's very surprising Ocon wasn't allowed to race in a different series on the side to keep his racing sharpness up to scratch.

Ocon's a fantastically talented driver, and, in my opinion, is an ideal replacement for Bottas. However, unless the driver gets some sort of reassurance from Toto Wolff about his position at the world champions, then he should definitely consider leaving the Brackley-based squad.

Mercedes will be very reluctant to let Ocon go to a Ferrari-powered team such at Haas on a permanent deal; especially with all the information he will know about the number one F1 side, but that might just be out of their control.