While he may not be expecting to race in 2019, Esteban Ocon admits Mercedes is depending on him to remain sharp.
The Frenchman is spending this year as reserve driver at the German manufacturer, a role many think could be simply preparation to replace Valtteri Bottas in 2020.
Watching on from the garage during testing the past two weeks, Ocon maintains the privilege of his current position is overriding disappointment at not being on track.
“I’m feeling fine with the situation,” he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
“I’ve got a new role with Mercedes, a top team that has won many titles these last few years. It’s also the team that has supported for a long time, and I’m actually still part of the Mercedes junior team.
“They recruited me up at a crucial moment of my career, and today, I’m in the team.”
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While Ocon may not have the pressure of producing results at race weekends, his new duties are possibly even more important
“Admittedly, it’s a reserve role, but they’re counting on me,” he continued. “I’ll be spending many days in the simulator and take part as much as possible in the car’s development.
“I’ll be attending every Grand Prix and available if there’s an opportunity [to race]. And if there is, I’ll take it!”
