Esteban Ocon, who served as a reserve driver for Mercedes during the 2019 Formula 1 season, has been making headlines in the world of F1 for all the wrong reasons. Recently, he lost his seat at Alpine and is now a free agent for the 2025 season. This is not the first time the Frenchman finds himself without a seat, as he went through a similar situation in 2018 and spent a year as a reserve. During that 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 has 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 busy.
Ocon recently revealed how Hamilton manages to juggle his multiple interests along with his racing career. The Frenchman explained that despite leading a hectic life, Hamilton possesses an incredible ability to seamlessly shift his focus from one subject to another. Ocon revealed that Hamilton carries clipboards and notes containing specific track information, which allows him to stay on top of his game.
Although Ocon certainly learned a lot from his time at Mercedes alongside the former world champion, his own future in F1 is at stake after being released by Alpine. With limited options available for the 2025 season, as many teams have already finalized their lineups, Ocon faces the difficult task of securing a seat.
However, the team boss of an undisclosed team believes that Ocon could be an ideal addition to their lineup. According to this person, the Frenchman’s extensive experience in F1 and his status as a race winner make him a valuable asset. Furthermore, Ocon’s familiarity with different team dynamics, acquired through his stints with various teams throughout his career, further enhances his credentials.
However, the F1 landscape has been highly unpredictable in recent weeks, and it is still early to rule out the possibility of Ocon joining other teams. The F1 “silly season,” where driver transfers and team changes take place, has yet to reach its peak, leaving room for surprises and unexpected moves.