Approaching two years after making his Formula 1 debut, Esteban Ocon believes it is only “a matter of time” before he drives for Mercedes despite his current position being a little less certain.
The Frenchman replaced Rio Haryanto at Manor from the Belgian Grand Prix in 2016, switching to Force India the following year and has since become known for what some have dubbed his ‘Oconsistency’.
As the current lead driver in the German manufacturer’s young driver program, it would be anticipated he is first in line for a promotion when either Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas depart and that feeling is also apparent in the 21-year-old.
“The bosses have plans for me that are ‘not yet’,” he told Motorsport.com of his Mercedes future. “It’s not the plan for now.
“I think they want me to have more experience before I jump in that car. I knew that already. I have targets I have to respect.
“At the moment they are happy with the job I’m doing. It’s just a matter of time, I think.”
In the immediate term, the situation is also a little more complex for Ocon as the sale of Force India to a consortium headed by Lawrence Stroll makes it almost certain that son Lance will be joining from Williams.
The question is whether it will be he or Sergio Perez that is dropped, with the possibility of joining Renault ended after Daniel Ricciardo made his surprise announcement.
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Replacing the Canadian at the Grove-based outfit could be an option, as it also Mercedes-powered, but also a loan move to McLaren can’t be ruled out alongside Carlos Sainz.
Regardless, Ocon is comfortable everything is under control.
“My future will be sorted out soon,” he suggested. “I’m not worried at all.
“Mercedes is doing a great job with my management since I joined them, they always put me in the best sporting position for me. I don’t have to be worried, it’s all going to be okay.
“If I stay here or go somewhere else, I don’t know. But I will have a great position for sure next year.”
This season, Esteban has been the better driver for the most part with six top 10’s but sits a single point behind Perez, who scored a podium in Baku.
