Ocon still hopeful for 2020 seat

Esteban Ocon is hoping that the two years he spent working in Formula 1 is enough for a team to give him a shot in 2020.

Ocon was left without a drive for the 2019 season, after being replaced by Lance Stroll at Force India following the arrival of Stroll’s father, Lawrence who bought the team with a consortium.

Former teammate Sergio Perez recently spoke about a year out being a risk for Ocon, but the Frenchman remains positive.

“Even in difficult times they remember my potential and what I’ve done,” Ocon told Autosport.

“That’s different to other junior programmes in F1.

“Mercedes remember, they don’t leave you alone, they keep supporting you and believe in your potential.”

Ocon made his debut in Formula 1 at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix and collected a total of 136 points throughout his time at Force India.

He’s hoping the hard work he put in during that spell will help him find a way back into the pinnacle of motorsport.

“I don’t know about that, when you’re not racing you don’t earn anything.

“I hope that those two years were enough to prove I deserve a seat for 2020.

 “I believe everyone is happy with the work I’ve done so that’s the only thing I can do,” Ocon added