Ocon has doubts: ''You never know if you'll reach the same level again''
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Esteban Ocon will return to Formula 1 in 2020 and where a start in Australia was already some time ago for the Frenchman, it has now been one and a half years since the Frenchman last participated in a Grand Prix.
The return
Ocon debuts in Formula 1 in 2016 when he is allowed to enter the Manor of Rio Haryanto. That half year Ocon performs well and he is preferred to Force India, rather than the more experienced Pascal Wehrlein. However, his relationship with Sergio Perez is not ideal there and if the Mexican Lawrence Stroll gives a free ride in the team, Ocon will know what time it is at the end of 2018.
A deal with Renault seems to be in hand, but the race stable impresses and brings Daniel Ricciardo in. A good move for the team, but after a promised spot Ocon is suddenly empty-handed. Ocon goes to work as a Mercedes protégé as a reserve driver for the team and learns a lot there.
Ricciardo versus Ocon
In 2020 Ocon will return to Formula 1, if Ocon does get a place at Renault. It will take some getting used to racing again, but the Frenchman is confident. ''As an athlete or as a driver you never know if you will return to the same level after a long break. That's pretty exciting of course, but I don't see any reason why I can't reach my level'', Ocon says to Channel 4.
Ocon does have a tough job ahead of him in 2020, when he meets race winner Ricciardo as his teammate. The Australian was already preferred to Ocon in 2019 and is now the leader of Renault. However, now that he has announced that he will leave at the end of 2019, it remains to be seen to what extent Daniel will be supported by the team. This is a big advantage for Esteban.