Toto Wolff remains pursuing a successor for Lewis Hamilton following the latter’s signing with Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Esteban Ocon holds the conviction that he ranks among the top three most talented drivers on the Formula 1 grid, alongside Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
As discussions surrounding potential replacements for Hamilton at Mercedes unfold, Ocon emerges as a prominent contender for the coveted position at the Silver Arrows.
During his appearance on the High-Performance podcast, Ocon discussed the caliber of drivers in Formula 1, asserting his belief in his abilities alongside “Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.”
“I’ve raced with them since what… Charles since 2005, Max [since] 2010. It doesn’t matter what conditions, we were always neck and neck or in the top three. Always,” he added.
While Leclerc and Verstappen have enjoyed ample opportunities with race-winning teams, Esteban Ocon has found himself navigating the competitive midfield in his quest to establish his legacy in Formula 1.
Now embarking on his eighth season as a full-time driver, the Frenchman eagerly awaits his chance to join a top-tier outfit. However, this doesn’t discount Ocon’s display of remarkable talent throughout his career thus far.
Following an impressive stint with the struggling Manor Racing team in the latter part of 2016, he transitioned to Force India for his inaugural full season, where he delivered one of the most notable debut performances in recent Formula 1 history.
Ocon demonstrated exceptional consistency by securing points in 18 out of the 20 races, closely trailing his seasoned teammate Sergio Perez.
Subsequently, the 27-year-old driver achieved podium finishes at Sakhir in 2020 and Monaco in 2023, in addition to a remarkable maiden victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.
Throughout his journey, Ocon has maintained strong ties with Mercedes, who enlisted him in their junior program following his GP3 campaign in 2015. These affiliations have sparked speculations linking him to Lewis Hamilton’s seat, as the 39-year-old icon transitions to Ferrari after the 2024 season.
“I obviously still have strong links with Mercedes, I’m still a Mercedes junior driver, that is no secret to anyone,” Ocon said. “But I’m totally dedicated to Alpine this year, I’ve got 24 races to get through and we’ll see where we end up.
“Formula One is fierce, a lot of things can happen, as we can see, but I’m ready to take on the challenge. This has always been, even if I’m not that junior anymore, I’m still contracted with them at some stage. So, it is how it is. We will see.”
