Esteban Ocon: “I’ll be a much more complete driver” on F1 return

Whether Ocon will be driving at Mercedes is yet to be decided by boss Toto Wolff as he debates between the Frenchman or current driver Valtteri Bottas.
 
But the former Force India/Racing Point (now SportPesa Racing Point) driver has valued the chance he was given after being dropped at the end of last year.
 
Ocon said to Formula 1: “I’m working hard on next year.
 
“I’m also learning so much at Mercedes.
 
“When I come back, I’ll be a much more complete driver.”
 
“It was not an easy thing [being dropped].
 
“We talked with Toto and my management side in Mercedes and they told me not to worry, I would be having a chance in F1 in the future.
 
“Of course there were phases where it is a bit quiet so you doubt things a bit, but discussions started quite some time ago – so I’m pretty confident it’s going to be OK, fingers crossed and touching wood!”
 
Should Mercedes not opt for Ocon to drive alongside Lewis Hamilton next year there has been rumoured interest from other teams on the grid such as Renault and Haas to take on the driver.
 
But regardless the Frenchman will take away “priceless” knowledge from the Silver Arrows this year.
 
“It’s very good for me to be here and part of the team already,” he added.
 
“This team is so successful and has so much knowledge. That knowledge is priceless.
 
“I’ve worked so much on feedback, on just working for the team. In my position, there is no performance to gain on my side.”