Esteban Ocon has opened up on his new reserve driver role at Mercedes, singling out the opportunity to work alongside Lewis Hamilton.
The Frenchman lost his place on the Formula 1 grid for 2019 after Lance Stroll replaced him at Racing Point, however, expectations are it will only be a temporary absence.
There’s even talk Mercedes could use this year to prepare Ocon to take over from Valtteri Bottas in 2020, given he is considered the eventual successor to Lewis Hamilton as the team leader.
And certainly, it appears he is doing all he can to get integrated.
“I’m learning every day,” he said as he joined the team in Barcelona this week. “I’m working the same as if I was racing, looking at Valtteri’s and Lewis’ data and speaking to different departments to pick up bits.
“Listening to Lewis in the debrief is something great because of how he works and how intense he is. You pick up things and it’s very impressive to see him work so hard. So I’m learning from him.”
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While it is obvious the 22-year-old would much rather be racing, he is not expected to have a quiet year with Mercedes, travelling to each race and working hard back at the factory.
“I’ve been settling in well, getting to know everyone,” Ocon revealed. “Being part of this fantastic team is such a pleasure and it’s very special as they have been the world champions and very successful.
“I’m doing a lot of simulator work and very in touch with the team. I spend a lot of time in Brackley and with the team,” he noted. “It’s a good new role, it’s very interesting and I’m learning a lot but for sure I look forward to test the car.
“I’m very hungry and can’t wait to get in [the car].”
