Esteban Ocon would be “very happy” to have Fernando Alonso as his teammate at Renault next season.
After leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2018, the double world champion is considered an outside option to fill the seat that will be vacated by Daniel Ricciardo after 2020.
But whereas most drivers might be a little concerned about having Alonso as their teammate, given his track record, Ocon would consider it an honour.
“I got asked that question many times during this lockdown period, but I always respond – and honestly, my personal choice has no relation to what the team is going to do,” he began.
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“But I have a great relationship with Fernando. The helmet I have, and the only swap I did in between the drivers, was with him and he was the one with Michael [Schumacher], his fights back in the day, that gave me the love for the sport.
“So I don’t know if he’s going to join or not, but definitely if he could come back with me [as a teammate] I would be very happy.”
Renault themselves have hinted at promoting one of their junior drivers for 2021, something that would mean putting faith in Ocon to lead the team going forward.
Then there’s also the availability of Sebastian Vettel, who today said he feels he has more to give in F1.
For now, though Ricciardo still have one more season to fulfil and he’s keen to put the McLaren talk to one side.
“I would say I’m pretty good at when I make a decision, I don’t do anything too erratic,” he said on whether he was having any second thoughts. “I put a lot of thought into things, let’s say that.
“I’ve been asked quite a few questions already on the switch and everything – but until I’m there, I don’t really want to go into if I’m happy, if I feel great or whatever.
“I understand I made the decision, obviously, and before we’ve even raced this year, so sure I’m going to get asked about it but right now, especially that we’re here, driving the car in less than 24 hours, I just want to keep focused on Renault for the remainder of this year.”
