Esteban Ocon, who served as Mercedes’ reserve driver during the 2019 Formula 1 season, has been making headlines in the F1 world for all the wrong reasons. Recently, he lost his seat at Alpine and is now a free agent for the upcoming 2025 season. This is not the first time the Frenchman has found himself without a seat, as he experienced a similar situation in 2018 and spent a year on the sidelines as a reserve driver. During this time, he gained firsthand insight into the demanding nature of the sport.
Lewis Hamilton, often hailed as the greatest driver in F1 history, not only commands a massive fan base but also attracts significant attention from marketing departments. In addition to his racing commitments, the 39-year-old British driver is known for his involvement in various ceremonies and events, making his schedule incredibly hectic.
Ocon recently shed light on how Hamilton manages to juggle his multiple interests alongside his racing career. The Frenchman explained that despite leading a busy life, Hamilton possesses an incredible ability to shift his focus seamlessly from one subject to another. Ocon revealed that Hamilton carries paper boards and notes with him, containing track-specific information, allowing him to stay on top of his game.
While Ocon undoubtedly learned a great deal from his time at Mercedes alongside the former world champion, his own future in F1 hangs in the balance after being dropped by Alpine. With limited options available for the 2025 season, as many teams have already finalized their lineups, Ocon faces a challenging task of securing a seat.
However, the team principal of an undisclosed team believes that Ocon could be an ideal addition to their roster. According to this individual, the Frenchman’s extensive experience in F1 and his status as a race winner make him a valuable asset. Additionally, Ocon’s familiarity with different team dynamics, gained from his stints with various teams throughout his career, further enhances his credentials.
Nevertheless, the F1 landscape has been highly unpredictable in recent weeks, and it is too early to rule out the possibility of Ocon joining other teams. The F1 silly season, where driver transfers and team changes occur, is yet to reach its peak, leaving room for surprises and unexpected moves.