Esteban Ocon’s assertion that he ranks among the top three drivers on the Formula 1 grid alongside Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen reflects his confidence in his abilities honed over years of competition.
Ocon’s claim is grounded in his extensive history of racing against both Leclerc and Verstappen, dating back to their formative years in karting competitions.
Unlike Leclerc and Verstappen, who have had the privilege of racing for top-tier teams with championship-contending cars, Ocon has spent much of his career fighting in the midfield, often driving cars that are not capable of consistently challenging for race wins. Despite this disadvantage, Ocon has consistently showcased his talent and potential.
One of the standout moments of Ocon’s career was his impressive debut season with Force India, where he scored points in 18 out of 20 races, demonstrating remarkable consistency and competitiveness. He narrowly trailed his more experienced teammate, Sergio Perez, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level under pressure.
Additionally, Ocon has achieved notable successes in his Formula 1 career, including podium finishes at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020 and the Monaco Grand Prix in 2023. Perhaps the pinnacle of his achievements was his sensational victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he clinched his maiden Formula 1 win in dramatic fashion.
Despite his successes, Ocon has maintained close ties to Mercedes, having been part of their junior driver program since 2015. Speculation about Ocon potentially filling Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes when the seven-time world champion moves to Ferrari in 2024 has been fueled by these connections. However, Ocon remains fully committed to his current team, Alpine, and is focused on delivering strong performances in the 2024 season.
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, Ocon is prepared to face any challenges that come his way and is determined to make the most of his opportunities. While his association with Mercedes may leave the door open for a future role with the team, Ocon is dedicated to his role at Alpine and is focused on achieving success with his current team.
