Ocon on his future: ‘You never know in Formula 1’

Esteban Ocon hopes to secure a spot on the grid in 2025, but acknowledges, ‘you never know in F1’.

After a tough Monaco Grand Prix, Alpine announced it would be parting ways with Esteban Ocon after a lengthy five-year relationship. Ocon has had significant success with the French outfit, securing three podiums and a victory.

However, the past two seasons have been difficult for Alpine who have struggled to secure meaningful results and grab crucial points for their quest in the Constructor Standings.

The 2024 season has been a dismal start to the season with the team only racking up five points in the first nine rounds. The announcement of his departure leaves a looming question of where Ocon could slot himself into in 2025.

After the news of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari for next season, rumours spiralled around of Ocon making the jump up to Mercedes due to Toto Wolff being the Frenchman’s manager.

Could Ocon join Haas?

Other rumours started after Nico Hulkenberg was confirmed to be leaving Haas and joining Sauber. The rumour started after team principal, Ayao Komatsu expressed his interest in bringing in a rookie and pairing them up with a more experienced driver.

“He’s got a lot of experience. He’s a race winner, he’s got podium finishes and he’s scored many points.” Komatsu said to Sky Sports.

“He’s also worked with a few different teams so he’s got lots of experience, which is what we’re looking for but also he’s only 27, still very young. I think his commitment and work ethic is really, really good. Definitely one of the several I’m considering seriously.”

Ocon provides his thoughts

In regards to his future, Ocon gave his thoughts, stating that his future in Formula 1 isn’t guaranteed but is looking to keep his spot on the grid:

“You never know in Formula 1 what the future can lie,” he said to media.

“But as I said, I’m excited for future challenges.

“I’ve got 15 more races to do and it’s important to do a good job and coming to the races motivated as I’ve always been and enjoy what I do.”

“For sure, my target is to be in Formula 1, that is very clear. That’s where I enjoy to be.”

The Frenchman remains optimistic for the remainder of the season and hopes to secure a contract as early as possible:

“As early as you can, and it’s always better, to know your future. So we’re going to see what the future is,”

“I have nothing to announce yet. I will announce my future in death when the right time comes.”

Featured image credits: Bryn Lennon via Getty Images