The 27-year-old driver’s agreement, signed in the summer of 2021, will come to an end at the conclusion of this season. If he leaves, a possible return to Mercedes may be in the plans.
Esteban Ocon has hinted at a potential move to Mercedes, as the Alpine driver contemplates his future with his current Formula 1 team amid speculation of a possible replacement.
Ocon, among the ten drivers without a guaranteed position for 2025, is nearing 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 stints.
The 27-year-old driver’s agreement, signed in the summer of 2021, will be concluded at the end of this season. If he departs, a return to Mercedes could be a possibility.
Mercedes played a key role in introducing Ocon to F1 with Manor and later with Force India.
The German manufacturer is looking for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is joining Ferrari.
Ocon has hinted at his interest in partnering with George Russell at Mercedes next 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,” shared Ocon with the press, including Total-Motorsport.com, at Imola.
“We’ll see, I don’t believe it’s a concern at the moment. I am confident that many developments are happening behind the scenes. I am not only focused on a long-term contract, but also on a short-term one.”
Ocon’s notable achievements in his career include his first win in Hungary in 2021 and a podium at the 2022 Monaco GP.
However, Alpine’s performance has been poor this year, with Ocon scoring the team’s only point in six races.
Throughout his career, Ocon has struggled to secure a stable position, losing his seat at Racing Point to Lance Stroll in 2019, which led to a year as a Mercedes reserve driver.
Alpine is reportedly more inclined to keep Pierre Gasly than Ocon, despite Ocon performing better 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 quickly, but the most crucial aspect is to secure something as soon as possible.
“It’s always a clear goal for me,” Ocon added.
“I don’t want to go through the same situation as the end of 2018, which I remember poorly and wasn’t due to performance reasons.”
