Esteban Ocon has reiterated he will only accept one year away from the Formula 1 grid.

The Frenchman lost his seat at the renamed Racing Point F1 team to make way for Lance Stroll and will work as Mercedes reserve driver in 2019.

Many expect Ocon's patience to be rewarded with a seat at the German manufacturer next year, particularly if Valtteri Bottas struggles again, but for now, the 22-year-old admits his fate is in their hands.

“What I don’t want to swallow at all, what I will not swallow, is that I’m not back in 2020," he told Autosport. “I would be massively disappointed by this. I believe I will be back and I trust the people around me to be back."

Also Read:

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• Mercedes ties prevented Ocon from remaining on F1 grid in 2019 - Villeneuve
• Wolff: We trust Bottas but Ocon is an option for 2020

To try and ensure he puts himself in the best position possible to return, Ocon revealed he will use this year to "transform" himself.

“I will just be even better prepared – with everything I know, with the knowledge I have from the [2018] season," he stated.

“I will transform myself with the new weight regulations, and I will arrive more ready than I was when I started at Force India [in 2017].

“I believe that with the amount of work I put in every day, this situation will change. My dedication will pay off and I will be back in 2020.”