Ocon reckons strong Aston Martin: 'Or maybe that's the Fernando effect'

Ahead of the start of the new season, expectations are high. Especially around Aston Martin, which claims to have made considerable strides ahead of 2022. With the arrival of Fernando Alonso and the major investment in its technical facilities, the team hopes to break away from the rear and battle Alpine and McLaren at the front of the midfield.

Ocon is at least taking into account that he is going to see green next to him a bit more often next season. "Everyone's been talking about it," the Frenchman commented when asked if he sees Aston Martin as a direct rival. "I don’t know if it’s the Fernando effect or that Aston Martin is going to be fast. But it looks like a very quick car, if you look at the aero side of things, from the outside. So it’s looking like a very strong contender."

Midfield tries to creep forward

Ocon does note that the entire midfield will try to creep closer to the front. Last season, Lando Norris was the only driver outside Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull to manage a podium finish. This year, the other teams will be keen to change that. "Everyone is going to work very hard to close that gap. It’s not only us," Ocon stressed. "Don’t underestimate Aston Martin, McLaren, AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo. They are also thinking the same things we are thinking."