F1 News
Hamilton helped Ocon with career decision
Esteban Ocon says that Lewis Hamilton gave him some words of advice on his move to Renault, saying that he had some good chats with the six time world champion. Ocon spent last season as Mercedes' reserve driver after losing his seat at Racing Point, but will make his return to racing this weekend in Australia.
The Frenchman was seen as one of F1's most talented youngsters during his time with Racing Point, consistently scoring points and challenging his more experienced teammate Sergio Perez.
He will have spent plenty of time with Hamilton as part of the same team, and Ocon says the Brit was helpful in deciding his future.
According to The-Race.com, Ocon said: "I had good chats with Lewis, who gave me good advice. Not really on the sporting side, more the managing side.
“The moment where it was a bit crucial, where there were discussions [about Ocon’s future] but nothing signed, he knew how to give me good words and gave me directions on where to go.
“He was, amongst a lot of people, a good teacher in all those parts.”
Ocon adds that whilst he missed out on a year of F1, his time at Mercedes was worthwhile, adding: “It was very useful because I came out of my environment, with my experience, driving, using stuff, knowing what’s best and what’s not.
“And then going to see how they do their things, it was definitely very, very useful for me."