F1 News
Ocon reveals he was too tall to fit into Russell's Williams
Esteban Ocon has revealed he was almost called up by Williams for the season finale after George Russell reported being ill. However, his height prevented him from even getting in the cockpit of the car.
Ocon is preparing for his first time in a Renault car at the Abu Dhabi post-season tests. The Frenchman will race for the French constructor next season, alongside Daniel Ricciardo, replacing Nico Hulkenberg who bid farewell to F1 at the season finale.
During the final weekend, Williams and Mercedes driver, George Russell reported being unwell and Ocon was the only man who could replace him despite being phased out at Mercedes. However, there was something that prevented the French driver, getting into the Williams car.
“George was sick and I was the only one who could replace him,” Ocon told Le Figaro.
“But I could not get into the car. It was clearly not possible.”
Ocon will be one of if not the tallest driver on the grid next season, being one of a few standing at over 6ft tall. The former Force India driver hopes that the 2021 changes will make it easier for him to get into the car.
“The width of the cockpits will remain the same but there will be more space in the length. That’s good news," he added.