Esteban Ocon Eyes Potential Mercedes Move Amid Uncertain Alpine Future

Esteban Ocon has hinted at a potential move to Mercedes, as the Alpine driver considers his future with his current Formula 1 team amidst rumors of a possible replacement.



Ocon, among the ten drivers without a secured seat for 2025, is nearing the end of his long-term contract with Alpine.



Given Alpine’s poor start to the 2024 season, Ocon is unlikely to renew his contract after spending five years with the team in two separate stints.



The 27-year-old’s contract, signed in summer 2021, concludes at the end of this season. If he departs, a return to Mercedes might be on the table.



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Mercedes played a crucial role in Ocon’s F1 debut with Manor and later Force India.



The German manufacturer is seeking a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is joining Ferrari.



Ocon has hinted at his interest in teaming up with George Russell at Mercedes next season.



“In my mind, I’m still a Mercedes junior. My representation group hasn’t changed since 2015.



“We’re talking a lot and we’ll decide what’s best for my future,” Ocon told the press, including Total-Motorsport.com, at Imola.



“We’ll see, I don’t think it’s an issue today. I’m sure that a lot of things are happening behind the scenes. I’m not only looking at a long-term contract, but also a short-term one.”



Ocon’s career highlights include a maiden victory in Hungary in 2021 and a podium finish at the 2022 Monaco GP.



However, Alpine’s performance has been disappointing this year, with Ocon securing the team’s only point in six races.



Throughout his career, Ocon has struggled to secure a stable position, losing his spot at Racing Point to Lance Stroll in 2019, which led to a year as Mercedes’ reserve driver.



Alpine is reportedly more inclined to retain Pierre Gasly over Ocon, despite Ocon’s better performance in head-to-head comparisons.



There are also potential opportunities at Haas and Williams, and Ocon is eager to finalize his future to avoid another stint without a seat.



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“In Formula 1, things change quickly, but the most important thing is to have something secured as soon as possible.



“It is a clear goal for me always,” Ocon added.



“I don’t want to pay the price for the second time like the one at the end of 2018, of which I don’t have a good memory and it wasn’t for performance reasons.”
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