The 27-year-old’s agreement, signed in the summer of 2021, will come to an end at the conclusion of this season. If he departs, a potential return to Mercedes could be in the cards.
Esteban Ocon has suggested a possible move to Mercedes, as the Alpine driver contemplates his future with his current Formula 1 team amidst speculation of a potential replacement.
Ocon, among the ten drivers without a guaranteed position for 2025, is approaching the end of his long-standing contract with Alpine.
Considering Alpine’s disappointing start to the 2024 season, Ocon is unlikely to extend his contract after spending five years with the team in two separate periods.
The 27-year-old’s agreement, signed in the summer of 2021, will conclude at the end of this season. If he departs, a return to Mercedes might be a possibility.
Mercedes played a pivotal role in Ocon’s introduction to F1 with Manor and later Force India.
The German manufacturer is searching for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is joining Ferrari.
Ocon has hinted at his interest in partnering with George Russell at Mercedes in the upcoming season.
“In my mind, I am still affiliated with Mercedes. The group representing me has remained the same since 2015.
“We are in frequent discussions and will determine what is best for my future,” Ocon shared with the press, including Total-Motorsport.com, at Imola.
“We will see, I don’t believe it is a concern at the moment. I am confident that numerous developments are taking place behind the scenes. I am not solely focused on a long-term contract, but also a short-term one.”
Ocon’s notable achievements in his career include his first victory in Hungary in 2021 and a podium finish at the 2022 Monaco GP.
However, Alpine’s performance has been lackluster this year, with Ocon securing the team’s solitary point in six races.
Throughout his career, Ocon has encountered difficulties in securing a stable position, losing his spot at Racing Point to Lance Stroll in 2019, which resulted in a year as Mercedes’ substitute driver.
Alpine is reportedly more inclined to retain Pierre Gasly over Ocon, despite Ocon outperforming him in direct comparisons.
There are also potential opportunities at Haas and Williams, and Ocon is eager to finalize his future to avoid another period without a seat.
“In Formula 1, circumstances change rapidly, but the most crucial aspect is to secure something as soon as possible.
“It is always a clear objective for me,” Ocon added.
“I do not want to experience the same situation as at the end of 2018, which I remember poorly and was not due to performance reasons.”